The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Selection Panel (NSP) has named the following 14-player Australian squad for the Qantas Tour of India from January 14-19.
Australia
Aaron Finch (c) (Victoria)
Sean Abbott (New South Wales)
Ashton Agar (Western Australia)
Alex Carey (vc) (South Australia)
Pat Cummins (vc) (New South Wales)
Peter Handscomb (Victoria)
Josh Hazlewood (New South Wales)
Marnus Labuschagne (Queensland)
Kane Richardson (South Australia)
Steven Smith (New South Wales)
Mitchell Starc (New South Wales)
Ashton Turner (Western Australia)
David Warner (New South Wales)
Adam Zampa (South Australia)
³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ selector Trevor Hohns said: “Similar to the Test team we are wanting the white ball squad to continue the form of the unbeaten T20 Series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
“The performance of our white ball squads has been strong, and we are hoping to build the momentum towards the T20 World Cup at home at the end of the year and ultimately build towards the 2023 One-Day World Cup in India.
“The performance of the top order at home through the T20 Series was very strong so we look for that to continue in the Indian one-day Series. We also believe Marnus Labuschagne is ready for his international white ball debut after his strong form for Queensland in this form of the game.
“Ashton Turner has proven himself in India with his ability to adapt to local conditions as did Peter Handscomb who joined the squad at the most recent World Cup. Peter also doubles as a backup keeper if required while Ashton Agar adds to the squad with his all-round package.
“In terms of the bowling group we are sticking with combination that are performing well. Sean Abbott and Kane Richardson are in the squad following the successful T20 campaign.
“Adam Zampa and his growing combination with Agar is also something the selectors want to see more of while Nathan Lyon remains in the one-day squad selection frame.
“It is great to see Glenn Maxwell returning to the game in the Big Bash. We will closely monitor his form after what would have been disappointing 12 months in the one-day game by his standards.”
Australia’s Senior Assistant Coach Andrew McDonald will lead the group to India. Head coach Justin Langer will remain in Australia having spent the majority of the last 18 months away from home.
“As one of the leadership group it’s important to show that not only are we focussed on getting the balance right for the players but equally the coaches and staff, head coach included,” Langer said.
“Macca is an exceptional coach in all forms of the game and has been fantastic since coming on board. He will do a great job with this squad. We are in very, very good hands.”
Qantas Tour of India:
January 14: First ODI Australia v India, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
January 17: Second ODI Australia v India, Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot
January 19: Third ODI Australia v India, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
It was also announced today Victorian paceman Peter Siddle will be brought into the 13-man squad for the injured Josh Hazlewood for the Boxing Day Test against New Zealand at the MCG.
Hohns: “Peter has been brought in as a 13th player for Melbourne. He is a proven Test match performer with an exceptional knowledge of the MCG which will be a valuable part of our preparation.”
