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MELBOURNE: Cricket Australia (CA) has unveiled a 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, which will serve as a crucial tune-up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
All three matches of the series will be staged at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on January 29, January 31 and February 1, marking Australia’s latest white-ball assignment on Pakistani soil ahead of the global event next month.
Experienced all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will continue as captain, with several senior figures returning to the setup following their involvement in the Ashes series against England.
Travis Head, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis headline a squad that blends established internationals with emerging talent.
The series, however, overlaps with the knockout stages of the Big Bash League (BBL), meaning players still active in the domestic competition will link up with the national side once their franchise commitments conclude.
Several high-profile players will miss the Pakistan tour as Australia manage workloads and fitness concerns.
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell and Nathan Ellis have all been rested, with Cummins, Hazlewood and David continuing their rehabilitation from recent injuries.
In their absence, selectors have opted to expand the squad with several backup and development options, including Sean Abbott, Mahli Beardman, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe and Matthew Renshaw.
Fast bowler Beardman and all-rounder Edwards have been rewarded for standout performances in the ongoing BBL.
Despite remaining uncapped at the international level, both have previously spent time with Australian squads and are viewed as long-term prospects.
Australia’s chair of selectors, George Bailey, said the Pakistan series offers a timely opportunity to test depth ahead of the World Cup.
“This series is a great opportunity for players on the fringe and some younger cricketers we rate highly to gain experience with the World Cup group in Pakistan,” Bailey said.
“Some are already established internationals, while Mahli Beardman has been around the group a few times, and Jack Edwards was part of the squad for the final ODI against India in Sydney last year.”
Australia squad for Pakistan T20Is
Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa.
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