Australia have announced their 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 campaign, with Aaron Finch helming the replenished side as a host of big names returns to action. 

However, the pick that has turned quite some heads is the surprise inclusion of West Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who is yet to make his international debut. Inglis has been selected as the reserve gloveman ahead of Alex Carey and Josh Philippe. 

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Although it was on the cards, the axing of Carey will send a few shock waves. For long the 29-year-old has been touted to become a mainstay in Australia’s white-ball setup. However, the South Australian has put on a horror show in the recent tours of the West Indies and Bangladesh.

In eight innings, he registered 57 runs at a pitiful average of 8.14. 

After being named Player of the Big Bash League last summer, Philippe too has failed to impress the selectors over the winter, recording scores of 1, 13, 0, 9 and 10.

Meanwhile, the Aussie fans will be glad to see their favourite stars returning to the T20 setup. Finch (knee) and Steve Smith (elbow) have been backed to return from injury for the tournament. 

Pocket-rocket David Warner is also back in contention and will provide some firepower up top for a struggling Australian side. They have endured a lean patch of late in T20 cricket, having lost each of their past five series. The return of the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins and Kane Richardson could be a major boon for the Australian side.

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Given that the World Cup will be hosted in the UAE, there will be ample opportunity for turners of the ball to scalp valuable wickets. Keeping that in mind, the selectors have opted for three spinners in Adam Zampa, Ashton Agar and Mitchell Swepson.

All-rounder Dan Christian, and fast bowlers Nathan Ellis and Daniel Sams have been named as travelling reserves.

The marquee cricket tournament will be held from October 17 to November 17.

FULL SQUAD:

Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (vc), Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis (wk), Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade (wk), David Warner, Adam Zampa