Mitchell Marsh has been named as the skipper of the Australian T20 team for the three-match series against South Africa starting on August 30. Cricket Australia is looking at the Australian all-rounder as the full-time option to lead the team going into the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Australia had a poor show in the 2022 T20 World Cup on home soil and the position of Australian T20 skipper become vacant following the retirement of Aaron Finch from cricket earlier this year. They will look to turn things around going into the marquee event next year as they brought in some new faces in the team for the South Africa series.
Speaking to the media on the T20 squad against South Africa, Cricket Australia chief selector George Bailey hailed Mitchell Marsh for the contribution to the team’s success in white ball cricket and wants him to take the opportunity to showcase skills leading the team in the highest level and excited to have young prospects in the team who can take the team forward in the International Cricket.
“Mitch has long been a senior player within the white ball structure, with this an opportunity for him to add to his leadership skills at international level, We look forward to him taking that step in South Africa.”
“Aaron, Spencer, and Matt have been outstanding in the BBL and identified as potential national players of the future, This tour is a great opportunity for all three to demonstrate those skills in a national team environment,” George Bailey said.
Spencer Johnson, Aaron Hardie, and Matt Short earned their first call-up to the senior team following their impressive performance in the shorter format of the game. In contrast, senior players David Warner, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc are rested for the tour to keep them fully fit for the ODI World Cup in India.
The Trip Will Be Fantastic Experience For All Three – George Bailey
George Bailey lauded Aaron Hardie for his impressive performance for Australia A and Matt Short for doing well against in the Big Bash League which helped to play for Punjab Kings in IPL 2023 and said that Spencer Johnson has been highly influential in the domestic cricket and feels that this would be a good experience for the players at the International level.
“Aaron has impressed in recent outings for Australia A as well as for the Scorchers while Matt has blossomed with extra responsibility at the top of the order for the Strikers”.
“Spencer’s left-arm pace and bounce were highly effective in his first season for the Heat. This trip will be a fantastic experience for all three and the chance to play their first games for their country,” George Bailey added.
Australia T20 squad vs South Africa: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa