Last Updated on 6 months ago by Charbel Coorey
There are more changes to Australia’s squad for the ongoing T20I series against India. All members of Australia’s likely first Ashes Test squad will feature in the fourth round of the Sheffield Shield. Hence, the hosts will field a changed lineup for the fourth T20 against India at Gold Coast’s Carrara Oval.
Travis Head has left the T20I squad. He will play for South Australia against Tamania in Hobart, as confirmed by cricket.com.au. That match begins on November 10 and is the final round of the Sheffield Shield before the Ashes begins in Perth on November 21.
Australia set for changes in the 4th T20 against India
Australia possible 11 for 4th T20: 1. Mitchell Marsh (c), 2. Matt Short, 3. Josh Inglis (wk), 4. Tim David, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Mitch Owen, 8. Xavier Bartlett, 9. Ben Dwarshuis, 10. Nathan Ellis, 11. Adam Zampa/Matt Kuhnemman/Tanveer Sangha
Matt Short, who is a specialist opener in T20 cricket, is likely to replace Travis Head at the top of the order.
If fit, Glenn Maxwell will slot in the middle order. The all-rounder missed the Hobart T20I as Australia took a cautious approach giving him more time to recover from the wrist injury he suffered during the recent tour of New Zealand.
“He appears likely to be back for the fourth match in the series on the Gold Coast on Thursday,” read a cricket.com.au report. Josh Philippe is also in the squad and will likely play if Maxwell is ruled out.
The aforementioned publication also reports that Adam Zampa is an outside chance of featuring in the series. He is currently at home near Byron Bay as his wife is due to give birth to their second child. As both of the final matches are in Queensland, Zampa could feature in either (or both) if circumstances permit.
Legspinner Tanveer Sangha was also released from the T20I squad to play for New South Wales in the One Day Cup match against Queensland on Monday. He is expected to return to the squad ahead of the fourth T20I and could feature in the XI.
On the pace-bowling front, Ben Dwarshuis is now in the squad after recovering from a calf injury. He could replace Sean Abbott who had a difficult outing in the third T20I. 20-year-old Mahli Beardman is also an option. If picked, it will be the fast bowler’s international debut.
The series is currently locked at 1-1 after India sealed a convincing five-wicket win in Hobart on Sunday. Gold Coast (Thursday November 6) and the Gabba in Brisbane (Saturday November 8) will host the final two matches.
