Melbourne: Australia are taking no risks ahead of next month’s ICC T20 World Cup with three key players ruled out of their upcoming tour of India.
Experienced quick Mitch Starc (knee) and key all-rounders Mitch Marsh (ankle) and Marcus Stoinis (side) will miss the tour with injury, but are expected to be fit for Australia’s opening match at the T20 World Cup against New Zealand on October 22.
Coming into the 15-player squad to replace the injured players are pace options Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams and Sean Abbott, with the squad set to fly to India later this week ahead of the three-match series.
The loss of Stoinis could pave the way for Tim David to make his Australia debut, while veteran batter Steve Smith may get the chance to bat at first drop in the absence of Marsh.
Experienced opener David Warner is being rested for the tour, with right-hander Josh Inglis among the options Australia have to partner Aaron Finch at the top of the order.
Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.
Series schedule:
September 20: First T20, Mohali
September 23: Second T20, Nagpur
September 25: Third T20, Hyderabad.
