Australia's T20I squad vs Pakistan announced: No Glenn Maxwell, BBL star added

Australia T20I squad vs Pakistan [Source: AFP] 

Cricket Australia has officially announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20Is series against Pakistan, which begins on January 29. This series is an important step as Australia prepares for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, giving selectors a chance to test players and build the right combination.

One of the biggest highlights of this squad is that 10 players are already part of Australia’s provisional squad for the T20 World Cup. As a result, the series against Pakistan will help the team fine-tune its plans ahead of the global tournament.

The team will be captained by Mitchell Marsh, who brings experience and leadership. Meanwhile, the selectors have also decided to look toward the future by bringing in young talent.

Fresh faces get a big opportunity

Most notably, Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards have earned their places after impressive performances in the Big Bash League (BBL). Although neither player has made their international debut yet, both have shown great potential.

Beardman, a 20-year-old fast bowler from the Perth Scorchers, has had an excellent first full BBL season. He picked up eight wickets, helping his team finish at the top of the standings. Importantly, he was also part of Australia’s T20I squad against India earlier this summer.

On the other hand, Jack Edwards, an all-rounder from the Sydney Sixers, has been outstanding with the ball. He is currently the leading wicket-taker for his team, taking 15 wickets at an average of 18.33. 

Other notable inclusions in Australia's T20I squad vs Pakistan

Along with Beardman and Edwards, several other players have been named in the squad. These include Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, and Matt Renshaw.

Renshaw, in particular, is pushing hard for his T20I debut after another strong season in the Big Bash. His selection shows that consistent domestic performances are being rewarded.

Senior Australian players misses out 

At the same time, a few senior stars will miss the series. Glenn Maxwell and Nathan Ellis have been rested after the BBL, while Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David are still managing their returns from injury. Altogether, five World Cup squad members will not feature in this series.

"The series is a great opportunity for those on the brink of selection and some young players we rate highly (to gain) valuable experience with the World Cup group in Pakistan," selection chair George Bailey said.

"Some are already experienced international players along with Mahli Beardman who has been with the group a number of times and Jack Edwards who joined for the last one-day match against India in Sydney last year."

All three T20I matches between Australia and Pakistan will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 29, January 31, and February 1. Players involved in the BBL finals will join the squad once their domestic duties are completed.

Australia's 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 (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa