MELBOURNE: Cricket Australia announced a 15-member squad on Thursday to defend the ICC T20 World Cup title with T20 specialist Tim David receiving a maiden call-up in the otherwise unchanged squad.

All-rounder Tim has already represented the associate member team Singapore in the T20Is and over the past two years, he has built a reputation as a match finisher in the franchise leagues including Pakistan Super League, Indian Premier League, Big Bash League and England’s T20 Blast.

Tim replaced the leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson, the only change Australia made in the team that won the T20 World Cup held last year in Dubai.

“Tim (David) continues to establish himself with some quality performances in leagues around the world, earning a place in the squad. He is a highly gifted, natural ball striker who will add extra batting depth to the group which has had a lot of success in T20 cricket,” said Australian Chair of Selectors George Bailey

Aaron Finch-led squad will first tour India for the three-match T20I series later this month before starting their home T20 World Cup campaign on October 22 when they face New Zealand in the opening game of the Super 12 round.

Meanwhile, middle-order batter Mitchell Marsh has also been included in the squad despite currently facing an ankle injury during the ongoing home ODI series against Zimbabwe.

Bailey confirmed that Marsh would be fit before the tour of India and would continue with his role at no.3 in the batting order.

Veteran opener David Warner, however, will not accompany the team during its overseas task with Cameron Green to replace him. Warner will join the team for the T20 World Cup.

Australia T20 World Cup squad: Aaron Finch (c), Pat Cummins (vc), Ashton Agar, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

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