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IPL 2021: Complete List Of Players Who Have Withdrawn From The UAE Leg
IPL 2021: Complete List Of Players Who Have Withdrawn From The UAE Leg.

IPL 2021: Complete List Of Players Who Have Withdrawn From The UAE Leg

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IPL 2021 has been facing a different scenario so far as the tournament was suspended midway in April and the resumption is set to take place in a few day’s time. With the T20I World Cup set to take place in UAE straightway after the IPL 2021 gets over, the players have been looking at the tight schedule ahead and have opted out of the cash-rich league.

Injuries often see player pullouts in the IPL. But when players register their name in the auction and then fail to honor their contract without injuries, it becomes a problem for the franchises. A total of 64 foreign players are allowed in IPL and in IPL 2021, 17 of them have withdrawn, dealing a blow to both BCCI and the franchises.

IPL 2021: Complete List Of Players Who Have Withdrawn From The UAE Leg

Adam Zampa (RCB)

Royal Challengers Bangalore leg-spinner Adam Zampa was thinking about his mental health before pulling out of IPL 2021. (Source: Twitter)Royal Challengers Bangalore leg-spinner Adam Zampa was thinking about his mental health before pulling out of IPL 2021. (Source: Twitter)

One of the first players to pull out midway through IPL 2021 was Australian spinner Adam Zampa. The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) player pulled out citing bubble fatigue amid the second wave of COVID-19 in India in May. In phase 1, Adam Zampa didn’t feature in any match. Royal Challengers Bangalore have roped in Sri Lanka’s spin all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga for the 2nd phase of IPL 2021. He has replaced leg-spinner Adam Zampa.

Adam Zampa was one of the few players who had withdrawn from IPL 2021 before the season was suspended. He has been named in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad.

Adam Zampa has picked 21 scalps in 14 IPL games averaging 17.61 including a 6 wicket haul in his debut season in 2016. He played in IPL 2016, 2017 and 2020. His career-best figures of 6/19 for Rising Pune Supergiants against Sunrisers Hyderabad is 3rd best figure ever in IPL history.

Daniel Sams (RCB)

Daniel Sams 
Daniel Sams Image Source: Twitter

Another RCB player to pull out was Daniel Sams. The Australian played two matches in the IPL 2021 after spending 14 days in isolation after contracting COVID-19 upon reaching India. But he didn’t want to come back and pulled out ahead of Phase 2.

He played 5 IPL games scoring only 6 runs and picking up a solitary scalp and didn’t have an impact as expected. Delhi Capitals brought Daniel Sams to their squad for IPL 2020 as a replacement for an injured Jason Roy and he played for RCB in IPL 2021.

Daniel Sams, who was traded to the RCB this season from Delhi Capitals, was the second player of the franchise to recover from COVID-19. Opener Devdutt Padikkal, who was the highest run-scorer for RCB last season with 473 runs from 15 matches, had earlier recovered from the dreaded disease and joined the team after returning negative.

Mitchell Marsh (SRH)

Mitchell Marsh winces in pain BCCI
Mitchell Marsh. Image Credits: BCCI

Australian Mitchell Marsh was the first player to pull out of IPL 2021 even before the tournament began. Retained for the 14th edition of IPL, SRH looked for consistency in batting and roped in Mitchell Marsh in the IPL 2020 auctions but he pulled out next season citing bubble fatigue after getting injured in 2020.

Mitchell Marsh played 21 IPL games scoring 225 runs averaging 17.3 and picking 20 scalps averaging 21 with the ball. He played only 1 IPL game in 2020 where he failed to make an impact. Last year, Mitchell Marsh was not able to play the entire tournament for SunRisers Hyderabad as he was ruled out with an ankle injury mid-season. He was ruled out after suffering an ankle injury in the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Josh Philippe (RCB)

Australia's keeper Josh Philippe will be unvailable for RCB during IPL 2021 (Courtesy of BCCI)
Australia’s keeper Josh Philippe will be unavailable for RCB during IPL 2021 (Courtesy of BCCI)

RCB have had a long list of pull outs and Australian youngster Josh Philippe was one of them. He too informed the franchise that he won’t be available for the IPL 2021. Royal Challengers Bangalore had signed explosive New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Finn Allen as a replacement for Josh Philippe.

Finn Allen has a career T20 strike rate of over 180. Josh Philippe, who made his debut for RCB in IPL 2020 in the UAE, made himself unavailable for the whole of the upcoming season.  He played 5 matches for RCB in IPL 2020 managing 78 runs averaging 19.5.

Regarded as one of the brightest batting prospects in Australia, particularly in limited-overs cricket, wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Philippe was given his first taste of the international set-up for the 2020 tour of England which took place amid the Covid-19 pandemic. To date, he has played 3 ODIs and 10 T20Is for Australia.

Ben Stokes (RR)

Ben StokesBen Stokes. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Ben Stokes played just one match for RR in IPL 2021 before injuring his finger. He returned to England after the match and since then has been recovering from the injury. However, the all-rounder decided to take an indefinite break from cricket citing mental health, and decided not to return for IPL 2021.

England and Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Ben Stokes is unlikely to take part in the second leg of the Indian Premier League 2021. Ben Stokes had announced an indefinite break from cricket last month, intending to focus on his mental health. The all-rounder had spent considerable time away from family and in bio-secure environments with the England team.

Ben Stokes was a part of the Royals set up in the first half of the IPL before he broke his finger in a fixture against Punjab Kings while fielding in the deep. Having been ruled out ever since from all cricketing action, he returned to lead England to a 3-0 ODI win over Pakistan after Covid-19 struck the home camp, ruling out four players including skipper Eoin Morgan. Ben Stokes, however, did not participate in the T20I series that followed and revealed his decision soon after.

Jos Buttler (RR)

Rajasthan Royals batsman Jos Buttler in action | Sportzpics for BCCI / Pankaj Nangia
Rajasthan Royals batsman Jos Buttler in action | Sportzpics for BCCI / Pankaj Nangia

Another Rajasthan Royals player to pull out was Jos Buttler. The England opener played the entire IPL 2021 phase 1 but decided against returning for Phase 2 citing bubble fatigue.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler hit the top gear against Sunrisers Hyderabad by smashing 124 off 64 balls in an IPL 2021 match. RR opener Jos Buttler wasn’t at his usual best before he came to his own with a scintillating 124 versus Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), just a few days before BCCI suspended the tournament due to Covid-19 threat.

He had scored 328 runs in the IPL 2020 and 254 runs in 7 games in the IPL 2021 averaging 36.28. While he had to leave IPL 2019 midway to join the England team for the World Cup 2019 preparations, he made an impact during his eight-game stint, scoring 311 runs, following his 548-run season in IPL 2018 where he averaged 54.8.

Liam Livingstone (RR)

Liam Livingstone Instagram
Liam Livingstone Instagram

Liam Livingstone left IPL 2021 midway through the season amid the second wave of COVID-19 in India. The England batsman although will be returning for Phase 2. In a major boost to Rajasthan Royals, English all-rounder Liam Livingstone is all set to be available for the second phase of IPL 2021 which will resume from Sep 19 onwards.

After three English players Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, and Chris Woakes pulled out of IPL 2021 there were question marks of Liam Livingstone’s availability for IPL. However, Rajasthan Royals confirmed that Liam Livingstone will be featuring in the second phase of the cash-rich league.

Rajasthan Royals though have been dealt with a massive blow as in-form batsman Liam Livingstone is likely to miss the first few games of the second phase of IPL 2021 due to injury.

Dawid Malan (PBKS)

Dawid Malan File Photo
Dawid Malan File Photo

It is difficult to term Dawid Malan’s pull out other than plain and simple revenge. After Virat Kohli-led India decided not to play the 5th Test amid the COVID-19 outbreak inside India’s camp, Dawid Malan pulled out at the last moment, annoying Punjab Kings.

Dawid Malan was picked by the Punjab Kings in the 2021 auction for a price tag of INR 1.5 crores and it will be the lefthander’s debut IPL season. He played only 1 game scoring 26 runs.

Jonny Bairstow (SRH)

Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow of SRH (Photo Source: Twitter)

Another last-minute pullout came from SRH’s top-scorer Jonny Bairstow and it is believed that he too followed similar instincts as Dawid Malan, dealing an ailing SRH a heavy blow. Jonny Bairstow had a brilliant debut IPL season in 2019 scoring 445 runs that included a century while opening the batting with David Warner. He had amassed 1038 runs in 28 IPL games averaging 41.52.

Sunrisers Hyderabad have roped in West Indies batsman Sherfane Rutherford for the remainder of IPL 2021. The middle-order batsman from the West Indies comes in as a replacement for opener Jonny Bairstow. Notably, SRH has had a disastrous campaign so far winning only one of the seven games in the first phase of IPL 2021, and are currently placed at the bottom of the table.

Chris Woakes (DC)

Chris Woakes | Delhi Capitals
Chris Woakes | Delhi Capitals

Amongst the three players, Delhi Capitals’ Chris Woakes is the other England player to announce his pull-out at the 11th hour. The England pacer gave no reason behind the opt-out. Chris Woakes played just two matches in Phase 1 due to injury.

Chris Woakes did not feature in IPL 2020 but Delhi Capitals retained the England cricketer for the IPL 2021. He scored 15 runs and picked up 5 scalps in 3 games before IPL 2021 was suspended due to Covid-19. Overall, he has 30 scalps in 21 matches averaging 21.93, and scored 78 runs playing IPL 2017,2018, and 2021.

Andrew Tye (RR)

Andrew Tye has flown back home from IPL.
Andrew Tye has flown back home from IPL. Photo: BCCI

After returning midway through IPL 2021 Phase 1, Australian pacer Andrew Tye informed RR that he won’t be returning for Phase 2 due to bubble fatigue. Andrew Tye, who had first joined RR in 2020, wasn’t a regular for RR but was one of the overseas options that RR could have considered.

The Purple Cap winner of IPL 2018, Andrew Tye only played 6 matches for Punjab Kings(then KXIP) in 2019. He moved to RR at his base price of Rs 1 crore. He only played one match in IPL 2020 in UAE. He went for 50 runs and scalped one wicket in the fixture and despite that fact, he was retained by the franchise.

Kane Richardson (RCB)

Kane Richardson. (Image Source: Twitter)
Kane Richardson. (Image Source: Twitter)

After playing Phase 1 of IPL, the Australian all-rounder Kane Richardson decided against returning for Phase 2. He had also opted out of Australia’s tour of the West Indies and Bangladesh. Signed by the Pune Warriors India for IPL 2013, he had the opportunity to sharpen his skills with the legendary Allan Donald.

He was then inducted into the Rajasthan Royals side in the 2014 auction, followed by RCB in IPL 2016. The fourteenth edition of the league will be his second stint with the RCB. He played 1 IPL game in 2021 picking a solitary scalp.

Pat Cummins (KKR)

Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins[photo: Twitter]
KKR’s star pacer and Australia’s vice-captain Pat Cummins was the first confirmed pullout of Phase 2. The star opted out to be with his partner who is expecting their first child. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed Tim Southee for the remaining 31 games of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Pat Cummins, who was signed for Rs. 15.5 crores for IPL 2020 season, has been a key member of their side, and this season he played all their seven games, taking nine wickets and scoring 93 runs, including a career-best 66 not out against Chennai Super Kings. Pat Cummins picked 12 wickets in 14 games that included a 4-wicket haul in the 2020 IPL season. He bowled well in IPL 2021 picking 9 scalps in 7 games averaging 26.33 besides scoring 93 runs averaging 31.

Jhye Richardson (PBKS)

Jhye Richardson (Image Credit: Twitter)
Jhye Richardson (Image Credit: Twitter)

Punjab Kings’ Australian pacer Jhye Richardson came at a steep price of Rs 14 crore. While he played in Phase 1, he hasn’t featured in any match since and has opted out of Phase 2 without citing any reason. He was the fourth most expensive player sold in the 2021 IPL auction after the Punjab Kings acquired him for a whopping price of INR 14 cr.

Indian Premier League franchise Punjab Kings have signed England leg-spinner Adil Rashid for the remainder of the 2021 season, which was postponed mid-way in May due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in the country. Australian cricketer Jhye Richardson has taken 3 scalps in 3 games in the IPL 2021.

Riley Meredith (PBKS)

Riley Meredith is excited to be part of the IPL | PBKS Instagram
Riley Meredith is excited to be part of the IPL | PBKS Instagram

The other PBKS pacer to pull out is Riley Meredith. The Australian star also featured in Phase 1 and has missed Australia’s tours while also opting out of Phase 2. The right-arm pacer from Tasmania is capable of clocking 140 kmph very consistently and has proved his worth in the domestic circuit.

He made his T20 debut against New Zealand in 2021 and debuted in the IPL after the Punjab Kings won the bidding war, eventually acquiring the Aussie pacer for INR 8 Cr. He picked 4 scalps in 5 IPL games.

Finn Allen (RCB)

Finn Allen IPL 2021
Finn Allen IPL 2021

The New Zealander Finn Allen came as a replacement player for Josh Philippe and spent the first half of IPL on the bench. But he has informed the franchise that he won’t be returning and Tim David has been roped in as a replacement.

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Ricky Ponting Questions Depth Around Australia Cricket After 1-4 Series Loss To West Indies And Bangladesh

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Ricky Ponting has questioned the depth in Australian cricket after the poor T20 results on the recent tours of West Indies and Bangladesh but believes the team can still pose a challenge for the forthcoming 2021 T20I World Cup if their strongest side is available.
Australia ended the twin tours with a 2-8 scoreline losing both the series by a margin of 1-4 across the two T20 contests which was capped off by being skittled for 62, which was their lowest T20 total, in the final match in Dhaka.
Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting (Photo | IPL Twitter)
Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting (Photo | IPL Twitter)

Ricky Ponting: Depth Around Australia Cricket Is Not Where It Needs To Be

While Ricky Ponting acknowledged the conditions were challenging in Bangladesh, he was concerned that performances got worse as the matches went on. Only Mitchell Marsh emerged with an enhanced reputation with the bat although the bowling attack largely performed creditably.
“The lack of knowhow and skill in those conditions brought us undone again,” Ricky Ponting told Tim Paine on the Test captain’s SEN radio show.
“It’s been the achilles heel for Australian cricket for as long as I can remember – more so in Test cricket, but we’ve always found a way to be very competitive in Sri Lanka and India in white-ball cricket. Just goes to show the depth around Australia cricket is not where it needs to be so there’s some work to do there.”
“The T20 World Cup is not far away so hopefully we get all the boys fit and healthy because I still think with everyone fit and healthy in the UAE that the Australian team can push really hard to win the title. Let’s keep our fingers crossed we can put our strongest XI on the field.”
Mitchell Marsh cut loose in the Powerplay
Mitchell Marsh cut loose in the Powerplay © Getty Images
Captain Aaron Finch was ruled out of the Bangladesh series with a knee injury which meant Australia was missing up to eight players who could be considered among first picks including David Warner, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis from the batting order.
“There were a lot of names not there…but it almost seemed they got worse during that series,” Ricky Ponting said. “There’s no doubt those conditions were really difficult, but that’s the worry for me.
“They’ve been there long enough and done some training on wickets you’d have thought were quite similar to what they played on yet the further the series went, whether a lack of confidence or skill or game awareness, I’m sure they would have been shattered.”
Australian allrounder Mitchell Marsh played three ODIs and five T20Is against West Indies last month. In the T20Is, Mitchell Marsh scored 219 runs with a strike rate of 152.08 and took eight wickets with an economy rate of 6.76, making him the lead run-scorer and wicket-taker for Australia in the series. He was the leading run-scorer against Bangladesh too scoring 156 runs in 5 T20I games averaging 31.2.

Ricky Ponting Waiting For Confirmation On Whether Injured Steve Smith Is Available In The IPL 2021 And T20I World Cup

Ricky Ponting, the head coach of Delhi Capitals, said he was still waiting for confirmation on whether he would have experienced batsman Steve Smith, who is recovering from an elbow injury, and Marcus Stoinis available but sees it as their best opportunity to be tuned up for the World Cup.
“There’s no doubt it’s their best preparation, in those exact conditions playing probably the strongest domestic T20 tournament in the world,” he said. “I’m not saying it just because I want some of the Australian players there with Delhi, but it sounds like our domestic season will be pushed back so they’ll be no domestic cricket here before the T20 World Cup, so preparation wise it’s spot on.”
Steve Smith Image Source : TWITTER/DELHICAPITALS
Steve Smith Image Source: TWITTER/DELHICAPITALS.
“Not sure if they’ll be any restrictions on the bowlers going there, there may well be, but certainly the guys like Smith, Davey, Maxi, Stoinis who have been out of cricket for three or fourth months they need to get back into the groove.”
The country’s seven top cricketers including the likes of David Warner, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Marcus Stoinis, and Daniel Sams have pulled out from the upcoming West Indies series and Bangladesh series.
Star batsman Steve Smith was also not included in the squad as he is yet to fully recover from an elbow injury that flared up during the IPL. It now seems likely that a number of the Australia players will prepare for the World Cup by returning to the IPL for its resumption next month although Pat Cummins is not expected to be available due to the birth of his first child.

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Shakib, Marsh, Walsh
Shakib, Marsh, Walsh
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Shakib Al Hasan, Mitchell Marsh And Hayden Walsh Jr. Nominated For ICC Player Of Month For July 2021

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Shakib Al Hasan, the all-rounder of Bangladesh, Australia’s all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, and West Indies leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr were nominated for the ICC Player of the Month Awards for July 2021 in the men’s category. International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the nominees for the ICC Player of the Month Awards for July 2021 to recognize the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket.

The Player Of the Month Award was instituted in January this year to recognize the best international performances across formats for male and female cricketers. The nominees for the monthly men’s awards this time are Shakib Al Hasan (BAN), Mitchell Marsh (AUS), and Hayden Walsh Jr (WI) while Hayley Matthews (WI), Fatima Sana (PAK) and Stafanie Taylor (WI) figure in the women’s shortlist.

Shakib Al Hasan contributed to all three formats of the game as Bangladesh won the series against Zimbabwe last month. - REUTERS
Shakib Al Hasan contributed to all three formats of the game as Bangladesh won the series against Zimbabwe last month. – REUTERS

Mitchell Marsh Was Australia’s Leading Run Scorer And Wicket Taker In T20Is Against West Indies

Mitchell Marsh, Australia was the backbone of the Australian T20I set-up against the West Indies after a promotion to bat at number three worked wonders. In the Caribbean, Mitchell Marsh amassed 219 runs in five T20Is at an average of 43.80 that included three half-centuries.

His bowling too was at par with his batting as he claimed 8 wickets with an economy of 6.76. Mitchell Marsh ended the series as the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker for Australia.

Mitchell Marsh
Mitchell Marsh (Image Credit: Twitter)

Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh is another all-rounder to make the nominations who was consistent across formats versus Zimbabwe. In the one-off Test, Shakib Al Hasan snared a total of five wickets, followed by a five-wicket haul in the first ODI and he ended as the highest wicket-taker in the series with 8 scalps.

His purple patch followed him in the next match this time with the bat as he blazed to an unbeaten 96* and completed a tricky chase and series win against Zimbabwe.

Hayden Walsh Jr. Ended As The Leading Wicket Taker In Both ODIs And T20Is Against Australia

Hayden Walsh Jr. picked 19 scalps in 13 ODIs, and 23 scalps in 26 T20Is. He has represented two countries-USA in 2019 and West Indies. He played 9 matches for the USA and 30 matches for West Indies.

West Indies' Hayden Walsh Jr. (Source: AP)
West Indies’ Hayden Walsh Jr. (Source: AP)

Hayden Walsh Jr, West Indies, the right-arm wrist-spinner had a sensational time with the white ball. In the five T20Is and three-match ODI series against Australia, Hayden Walsh Jr never went wicketless in any game.  He thus ended as the leading wicket-taker for the West Indies in both the ODIs and T20Is – 7 wickets in ODIs, which included his maiden five-wicket haul and 12 scalps in T20Is.

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Bangladesh (AFP Photo)
Bangladesh (AFP Photo)
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Shoriful Islam Reprimanded For Breaching Level 1 Of The ICC Code Of Conduct

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Bangladesh fast bowler Shoriful Islam has been given an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third T20I against Australia in Dhaka, which the hosts won by 10 runs on Friday.

Shoriful Islam was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.”

Shoriful Islam. Pic - ICC
Shoriful Islam. Pic – ICC

Shoriful Islam After Dismissing Mitchell Marsh Celebrated Excessively In Close Proximity To Him

In addition, one demerit point has been added to the disciplinary record of Shoriful Islam, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period.

“The incident occurred in the 18th over of Australia’s innings. Shoriful, after dismissing Mitchell Marsh, celebrated excessively in close proximity to the batter, which could have provoked an aggressive response from Marsh,” ICC said in a statement late on Saturday.’

“Shoriful admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Neeyamur Rashid of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.”

Bangladesh
Bangladesh. (Credits: Twitter)

On-field umpires Sharfuddoula Saikat and Gazi Sohel, third umpire Masudur Rahman and fourth official Tanvir Ahmed levelled the charge. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

Shoriful Islam is an emerging pacer. The youngster has played 1 Test, 4 ODIs, and 10 T20I in which he has bagged 1, 7, and 15 wickets respectively.

Bangladesh Registers The First Series Win Against Australia Across Formats

Bangladesh has registered their first series win against Australia across formats by defeating the visitors in the first three T20Is. In all low-scoring encounters, the hosts won the first match by 23 runs, the second by 5 wickets, and the third by 10 runs. Australia managed to pull one back in the fourth by 3 wickets.

Nasum Ahmed[photo: Twitter]
Nasum Ahmed[photo: Twitter]
Mustafizur Rahman has been the best player so far taking 7 wickets at an average of just 8.14 and an incredible economy of 3.56. The fifth rubber is scheduled for Monday.

Nasum Ahmed is the Player of the Match for his figures of 4-0-19-4 as Bangladesh won by 23 runs in the first T20I. In the 2nd T20I, Afif Hossain scored 37 off 31 balls as Bangladesh won by 5 wickets. In the 3rd T20I, Bangladesh won by 10 runs as Mahmudullah was named  Player of the Match for his 52 off 53 balls. In the 4th T20I, Australia won by 3 wickets.

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Steve Smith
Steve Smith- Photograph: David Gray/AFP/Getty Images
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Pat Cummins Terms Steve Smith As The Most Complete Test Batsman

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Pat Cummins picked his Australian and New South Wales team-mate, Steve Smith, as the “most complete Test batsman” during a Q&A session on YouTube on Tuesday.

Pointing out Steve Smith’s ability to adapt according to conditions that are in offer, Pat Cummins called the former Australia skipper a problem solver who has the unique ability to master every condition.

File image of Pat Cummins | Andrew Boyers/Reuters
File image of Pat Cummins | Andrew Boyers/Reuters

Pat Cummins: Steve Smith Solves Whatever Problem He Has In Front Of Him

The country’s seven top cricketers including the likes of David Warner, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Marcus Stoinis, and Daniel Sams have pulled out from the upcoming West Indies series and Bangladesh series. Star batsman Steve Smith was also not included in the squad as he is yet to fully recover from an elbow injury that flared up during the IPL.

Answering a question from a fan on the most complete Test batter he has seen, the 28-year-old pacer replied: “I am going to be biased here. I am an Australian and have seen Steve Smith score hundreds here in Australia, in the fast and bouncy wicket, in South Africa where the wickets are green and its seams, in England against the swinging Duke’s ball and in spin fests in India.

“Steve Smith solves whatever problem he has in front of him. He’s better than anyone I have seen.”

Steve Smith (Image Credit: Twitter)
Steve Smith (Image Credit: Twitter)

Steve Smith would be a topper in most of the unbiased lists as well. The 32-year-old former Australian captain has 7,570 runs from 77 Tests at an average of 61.8. Except in Bangladesh, he doesn’t average below 40 in any country.

He averages 59.55 in England, a country where visiting batters often find themselves at sea. Even batting in India has been a challenge for most visitors in recent times, but Steve Smith averages 60 there. For anyone with over 1,500 runs in Test cricket, Steve Smith’s batting average is only next to Don Bradman. It’s even more incredible for someone who debuted as a leg-spinning all-rounder.

Pat Cummins Reveals His Favourite All Rounder Mitchell Marsh

Pat Cummins also went on to reveal his favourite all-rounder. He went with his Australian teammate Mitchell Marsh. Mitchell Marsh had a brilliant T20I tour of the West Indies last month where he scored 219 runs at 43.8, striking at over 152. He also picked up eight wickets at an average of 11 and went for only 6.76 runs an over. On Tuesday, he top-scored for Australia with a 45 in their loss in the first T20I against Bangladesh.

“My good mate Mitchell Marsh. Got to love him. Had a great series against the West Indies lately,” added Pat Cummins, the No.1 Test bowler, who is currently in a break and readying for fatherhood.

Mitchell Marsh starred with bat and ball Getty Images
Mitchell Marsh starred with bat and ball Getty Images

Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, and Mitchell Marsh are expected to unite in October when Australia begins their T20 World Cup campaign. It’s the only major white-ball tournament that Australia hasn’t won.

Australia T20 stars are expected to be part of IPL 2021 once it resumes in UAE in September this year. According to a report, barring a few who have already stated their unavailability for the 2nd phase of IPL to be played in UAE, the IPL franchises will not have to ponder and sweat over the absence of their overseas stars, especially from Australia.

Most Australian players, including all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, are likely to participate in the second phase of IPL 2021 when the tournament resumes in UAE. The likes of Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Marcus Stoinis, and Daniel Sams, all of who had pulled out of the West Indies tour recently, will turn up for their respective franchises when the T20 league resumes.

As for Pat Cummins, who had made himself unavailable for the T20 league well in advance, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) would have to do without the services of their most expensive player for the remaining games of the season.

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Alex Carey will be Australia's 26th captain in ODIs Getty Images
Alex Carey will be Australia's 26th captain in ODIs Getty Images
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Alex Carey To Become 4th Wicket-Keeper To Captain Australia In ODIs After Aaron Finch Misses Out Due To Injury

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Alex Carey will become just the fourth wicket-keeper to captain Australia’s men’s ODI team when the side takes on the West Indies in the first of three one-day internationals on Tuesday at Kensington Oval.

Cricket Australia said on Monday that Aaron Finch injured a knee while batting in the fifth Twenty20 in St. Lucia last Friday and that his fitness for the ODI series will be assessed on a day-to-day basis.
Alex Carey to lead Australia in the absence of Aaron Finch. (Reuters Photo)
Alex Carey to lead Australia in the absence of Aaron Finch. (Reuters Photo)

Alex Carey Is Honoured To Be Assigned Captaincy In Injured Aaron Finch’s Absence

Wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey takes over the captaincy in the absence of regular vice-captain Pat Cummins who is sitting out the Caribbean tour. Only three keepers have captained Australia’s men’s ODI team in the past.

They are Adam Gilchrist (17 matches), Ian Healy (8), and Tim Paine (5). Alex Carey was previously a joint vice-captain of the ODI side until the selectors reverted to the traditional model of having one player in the position by naming Pat Cummins as vice-captain across all formats last year.

Australia's Aaron Finch ©Reuters
Australia’s Aaron Finch ©Reuters

“I am deeply honoured to be able to lead the team while Aaron recovers,” Alex Carey said.

“To captain, Australia is one of the greatest privileges in sport and an honour I am extremely thankful to receive. Finchy is our captain and we will welcome him back with open arms when he is fully fit, so for now I hope I can fill the role to his extremely high standards. To lead this group against the West Indies in the West Indies is a great challenge and one I very much look forward to for as long as I have the opportunity.”

Cricket Australia said Monday that Aaron Finch injured a knee while batting in the fifth Twenty20 in St. Lucia. Alex Carey has previously captained the Adelaide Strikers, the South Australian Redbacks and Australia A.

Australia Looking To Bounce Back From T20I Series Loss And Will Be Confident For Winning Last 3 Bilateral ODI Series

Aaron Finch had been managing an issue with his right knee for some time till he twisted it while fielding in the final T20I on July 17. The 34-year-old had to briefly leave the ground. Aaron Finch appeared in discomfort in a chase of 200, especially when running between the wickets for a second a run on an overthrow.

Australia Pic: Getty
Australia Pic: Getty

Australia will be looking to bounce back from their 4-1 T20I series loss to the same opposition and have reason to be confident having won each of their past three ODI campaigns. The second ODI is set for Thursday and the final match on Saturday, all at Kensington Oval. West Indies won the T20 series 4-1, including the first three matches.

Aaron Finch, Mitchell Marsh, and Matthew Wade were the three bright spots for the Australian team in their otherwise dismal outing in the preceding T20I series. But the ODI is a different format and is Australia’s stronger suit compared to the other two formats. Although the Men in Yellow would have wanted Aaron Finch to open the innings, he seemed to be in searing pain while running between the wickets, after he twisted the ankle.

The country’s seven top cricketers including the likes of David Warner, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Marcus Stoinis, and Daniel Sams have pulled out from the upcoming West Indies series and won’t be visiting Bangladesh if that tour is confirmed. Star batsman Steve Smith was also not included in the squad as he is yet to fully recover from an elbow injury that flared up during the IPL.

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Australia limited-overs skipper Aaron Finch (File photo| PTI)
Australia limited-overs skipper Aaron Finch (File photo| PTI)
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Matthew Wade Expected To Captain Australia In ODIs In Aaron Finch’s Absence

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Matthew Wade has not played an ODI for Australia since playing against India in 2017. Matthew Wade is expected to take on the leadership role for Australia in the absence of their first-choice captain Aaron Finch in the ODI series against West Indies.

Aaron Finch most probably won’t be available for the 50-over format due to a knee injury he suffered in the fifth and final match of the T20I series against hosts West Indies.

Aaron Finch, AFP
Aaron Finch, AFP

Matthew Wade Will Wait For His Opportunity And Lead Australia In The ODIs If Aaron Finch Doesn’t Play

Aaron Finch, Mitchell Marsh, and Matthew Wade were the three bright spots for the Australian team in their otherwise dismal outing in the preceding T20I series. The visitors lost four matches and only won one due to Mitchell Marsh’s all-around brilliance in both batting and bowling departments of the game. Throughout the series, it was the home team’s batting line-up that prevailed over Australia.

Mitchell Marsh starred with bat and ball Getty Images
Mitchell Marsh starred with bat and ball Getty Images

But the ODI is a different format and is Australia’s stronger suit compared to the other two formats. Although the Men in Yellow would have wanted Aaron Finch to open the innings, he seemed to be in searing pain while running between the wickets, after he twisted the ankle. Matthew Wade is willing to step as a leader and also as a batsman in the three-match ODI series against West Indies.

“It’s a bit of a moving thing, the vice-captaincy. Going forward in the one-dayers I have no idea what will happen there. I am probably not expecting to play, especially if Finchy plays, but if he doesn’t there might be an opportunity for me to play,” cricket.com.au quoted Wade as saying.

“I came over here thinking I would play the T20s and I wouldn’t play the ODIs. I think some of the younger guys would get some opportunities to play them which is fair enough, I’ve been around a long time now. But if Finchy doesn’t come up there might be an opportunity to play, so we’ll wait and see,” he added.

Mitchell Marsh top-scored with 219 runs in the 5 T20Is against West Indies averaging 43.8 besides picking up 8 scalps averaging a mere 11.

Matthew Wade Feels There Are Moises Henriques, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc, And Josh Hazlewood Available As Men With Captaincy Potential

Apart from Matthew Wade, there are Moises Henriques, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, who the wicketkeeper-batter feels are good as leaders too. Matthew Wade has not been part of the ODI setup for Australia, as the team has preferred Alex Carey for the last two years. He though stepped up as a leader for Aaron Finch when he missed one T20I game last summer.

Matthew Wade
Matthew Wade (PA AAP)

“I love to captain whenever I get an opportunity. I captained in the T20s (against India last summer), and we’ve got plenty of different leaders here,” said Wade.

“Moises is a really good leader, Adam Zampa is getting better and better, ‘Starcy’ and ‘Hoff’ (Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood) go about their thing,” Wade concluded.

Australia will monitor the fitness of captain Aaron Finch ahead of the ODI series against West Indies after he picked up a knee injury during the final T20I in St Lucia. Aaron Finch twisted his knee in the field and was significantly hampered during the Australian chase, especially when running between the wickets. His innings of 34 was ended by a spectacular catch at long-on by Fabian Allen as Australia fell 16 short to concede the series 4-1.

The country’s seven top cricketers including the likes of David Warner, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Marcus Stoinis, and Daniel Sams have pulled out from the upcoming West Indies series and won’t be visiting Bangladesh if that tour is confirmed. Star batsman Steve Smith was also not included in the squad as he is yet to fully recover from an elbow injury that flared up during the IPL.

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Danish Kaneria (Image credit: Twitter)
Danish Kaneria (Image credit: Twitter)
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Danish Kaneria Picks West Indies, England, India As 2021 T20I World Cup Final Contenders

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Danish Kaneria, former Pakistan leg-spinner has opened up on which teams participating in the 2021 T20I WC could make it to the final of the upcoming T20 World Cup. Groups for the showpiece event were drawn on Friday and there are some interesting match-ups to watch out for.

Group A can be considered the ‘Group of Death’ with the likes of West Indies, Australia, England, and South Africa in it. However, Danish Kaneria believes the way West Indies have thumped Australia 4-1 in the T20I series, they will be one of the favorites to make it to the final.

Danish Kaneria @ AFP
Danish Kaneria. Photo Credit: AFP.

Danish Kaneria: India Favourites To Make It To The 2021 T20 World Cup Final

Speaking to India News, Danish Kaneria also backed England to give defending champions 2016 T20I World Cup winner West Indies strong competition and make it to the final. Group B consists of India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Afghanistan so far. Danish Kaneria had no hesitation in stating that India is overwhelming favorites from this group to make it to the final.

“If I look at Group 1, the way West Indies have formed their team and the way they are playing against Australia, they are strong contenders. Between West Indies and England I think one team will make it to the final.

“In Group 2, India have quality cricketers and all-rounders. IPL 2021 phase two will happen before the T20 World Cup so it will favour India make it to the final because the players will be in touch,” Danish Kaneria stated.

Evin Lewis acknowledges his half-century AFP
Evin Lewis acknowledges his half-century AFP

Evin Lewis’ sparkling display with the bat (79 off 34 balls) and scintillating fielding give West Indies a 4-1 margin over Australia with a 16 run win in the 5th T20I. West Indies won the 1st T20I by 18 runs with Andre Russell scoring 51 runs and Obed McCoy taking 4 scalps.

West Indies won the 2nd T20I by 56 runs with Shimron Hetmyer(61) and Hayden Walsh(3/29) contributing. West Indies successfully chased 142 in the 3rd with Chris Gayle scoring 67. Lendl Simmons’ 72 went in vain as Australia won the 4th with only 4 runs. Mitchell Marsh amassed maximum- 219 runs besides taking 8 scalps while Hayden Walsh picked 12 wickets.

Danish Kaneria: From The Commercial Point Of View India And Pakistan Match Would Generate A Lot Of Revenue

India and Pakistan have once again been drawn in the same group for the T20 World Cup and Danish Kaneria feels it is an exciting moment for fans from both countries. As India and Pakistan don’t play bilateral cricket against each other, their encounters in ICC events are always highly anticipated. Danish Kaneria feels the match will also help the ICC financially as viewership increases in India-Pakistan games and it makes a difference in the revenue generated.

“India-Pakistan games and viewed more than the Ashes. India and Pakistan are not playing bilateral series. So people wait with anticipation for the times when these two teams meet in ICC events. From the commercial point of view this would also generate a lot of revenue,” Danish Kaneria signed off.

India and Pakistan rarely play against each other but have a heated rivalry. (Photo by Tharaka Basnayaka/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NURPHOTO VIA GETTY IMAGES
India and Pakistan rarely play against each other but have a heated rivalry. (Photo by Tharaka Basnayaka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

India and Pakistan have not played the Test series for more than 14 years. As far as bilateral series in ODIs and T20Is are concerned, it has been over eight years. While they face off each other during ICC events and Asia Cup. The political tension between the two neighbouring countries flared up after the terror attack in Mumbai’s Taj Hotel.

Pakistan and India’s last bilateral ties at either of the two neighbouring countries were 2 T20Is and 3 ODIs in India way back in 2012.

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Dan Christian in the nets ahead of the first T20 between Australia and West Indies at Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia. Photograph: Randy Brooks/AFP/Getty Images
Dan Christian in the nets ahead of the first T20 between Australia and West Indies at Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia. Photograph: Randy Brooks/AFP/Getty Images
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Justin Langer Confirms Dan Christian’s International Comeback For T20I Series Against West Indies

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Dan Christian will return from the international cricket wilderness after a 4-year long gap as coach Justin Langer confirmed the all-rounder’s recall as Australia trial a fresh structure to their T20 team. Dan Christian has last played for Australia in 2017.

Australia coach Justin Langer has confirmed that all-rounder Dan Christian is set to make a comeback after the hiatus of four years in the first T20 against the West Indies on Saturday.

Dan Christian, Australian all-rounder will make a return after four years (Courtesy: Reuters)
Dan Christian, Australian all-rounder will make a return after four years (Courtesy: Reuters)

Dan Christian Will Add Experience Of Big Bash League: Justin Langer

Australia will play a five-match T20 series against West Indies as the Australia squad comprises mostly youngsters after 7 veteran cricketers pulled out citing fatigue and a hectic schedule. Veteran allrounder Dan Christian is set to return from almost four years in exile, while fellow Sydney Sixers star Josh Philippe will also have a chance to enhance his case for the Twenty20 World Cup selection.

“He’s finally worn me down, ‘Christo’,” Justin Langer told reporters of the 38-year-old, who last played for Australia in 2017.

Justin Langer could hardly contain his excitement about the inclusion of all-rounder Dan Christian, who he said has messaged him constantly recently in the hope of being considered for a national recall in the twilight of a career that has so far yielded nine domestic T20 titles.

“I’ve been in the (head coach) job three years and every time he gets some runs in any game or competition around the world, he texts me and says ‘Coach I’m ready to go, pick me, I’m the best allrounder in Australia’.

Justin Langer. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
Justin Langer. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

“He’s a fantastic bloke, he’s got an amazing set of hands in the field (and) he’s clever with the ball. His experience and we’ve seen throughout the Big Bash and all around the world actually, he hits the ball as cleanly as anyone,” said Langer.

Justin Langer also confirmed that another all-rounder Mitch Marsh has been promoted to bat at 3rd position in the batting lineup while Josh Philippe is expected to bat in the middle order along with Dan Christian.

“Mitch Marsh is going to bat three. We see him as a bit of an enforcer up there, he faces fast bowling as well as anyone around the place. He hits the ball with brutal power and we’re looking forward to giving him a chance at the top of the order,” said the Australian coach.

Justin Langer hinted that Ben McDermott would also be tried in the middle order and suggested back-to-back BBL title-winning captain, Moises Henriques, could return after missing Australia’s most recent T20 tour due to the ultimately-scrapped South African Test series.

Justin Langer: 6 Batsmen And 5 Specialist Bowlers Is A Successful Model

Justin Langer says the Australian camp is now looking for different ways to win games ahead of the T20 World Cup 2021 in the United Arab Emirates. Surfaces in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi are expected to deteriorate considerably in the forthcoming months given the remainder of Indian Premier League 2021 will be played there immediately prior, while the Pakistan Super League was recently held there as well.

Justin Langer indicated Australia will pick only four specialist bowlers in the side, meaning the allrounders selected in the XI will be required to combine to contribute at least four overs.

“The six batsmen and five specialist bowlers – it’s certainly a model I’ve gone with throughout my whole head coaching career, there’s no surprise to anyone with that. And it’s been a very successful model,” said Langer.

Australia Pic: Getty
Australia Pic: Getty

“But if you look ahead We might look at this 7-4 model, where you have a couple of all-rounders. Different teams do it differently around the world.”

“Looking ahead also to the World Cup, if we look at where it’s being played – the UAE – there’s going to be an enormous amount of traffic on those wickets, with the IPL, the PSL that has already been – we’re going to play on some pretty worn wickets, especially towards the back end of the World Cup,” he added.

The country’s seven top cricketers including the likes of David Warner, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Marcus Stoinis, and Daniel Sams have pulled out from the upcoming West Indies series for varied reasons and also said that they won’t be visiting Bangladesh if that tour is confirmed.

Star batsman Steve Smith was also not included in the squad as he is yet to fully recover from an elbow injury that flared up during the IPL.

Squad

Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Wes Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Dan Christian, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

Traveling reserves: Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha.

West Indies: Kieron Pollard (c), Nicholas Pooran (vc), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Kevin Sinclair, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr

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Australian fast bowler Jason Behrendorff. (Reuters)
Australian fast bowler Jason Behrendorff. (Reuters)
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Jason Behrendorff Named In Australia’s 23 Member Preliminary Squad For West Indies ODI, T20 Tour

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Jason Behrendorff and Tanveer Sangha on Monday were named in Australia’s 23-member preliminary squad for the upcoming limited-overs tour of West Indies.

Australia and West Indies are set to lock horns in five T20Is and three ODIs in July this year. The likes of Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, David Warner, Moises Henriques, Alex Carey, and Pat Cummins return to the squad after missing the recent white-ball tour of New Zealand.

Australia pacer Jason Behrendorff (file image)
Australia pacer Jason Behrendorff (file image)

Jason Behrendorff Named In Australia’s 23 Member Preliminary Squad For 5 T20Is And 3 ODIs Against And In West Indies

Hard-hitting middle-order batsmen Matthew Wade, Marcus Stoinis, and Mitchell Marsh join opener D’Arcy Short in the mix for the final batting places. They all add the flexibility of being able to play in the top or middle-order. Highly rated batsman Josh Phillipe adds another top-order option with captain Aaron Finch and David Warner and as an additional backup wicketkeeper-batsman to Alex Carey and Matthew Wade.

Aaron Finch, AFP
Aaron Finch, AFP

Experienced all-rounders Marcus Stoinis, Moises Henriques, and Mitchell Marsh are joined by the in-form hard-hitting all-rounder Glenn Maxwell in the preliminary squad. Daniel Sams advised the NSP he was unavailable for selection for the tour of the West Indies on health and wellbeing grounds. CA supports Daniel Sams’s decision.

Jason Behrendorff made his T20I debut for Australia against India on 7 October 2017. On 12 January 2019, he made his One Day International (ODI) debut against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, taking 2 wickets. In April 2019, Jason Behrendorff was named to Australia’s squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. On 25 June 2019 in the match against England, Jason Behrendorff took his first five-wicket haul in ODIs. He has played 11 ODIs and 7 T20Is picking up 16 and 7 scalps respectively.

Marnus Labuschagne Not Named For Remaining In The UK For Logistical Complexities

Pacers Kane Richardson, Jhye Richardson, and Andrew Tye join Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc as the primary pace strike weapons. They are joined by pacer Riley Meredith and left-arm pacer Jason Behrendorff.

National selector Trevor Hohns said: “This preliminary list gives selectors a solid base from which to choose a final touring party in the coming weeks while allowing players to prepare.”

“The Australian men’s T20 squad has the ability to match it with any team in the world and the competition for places will be fierce, which is exactly what we are looking for. The West Indies men’s team has won two of the six ICC T20 World Cups played, including the most recent tournament in India and 2016, and this series will provide us with excellent preparation ahead of the 2021 edition in October and November,” he added.

Marnus Labuschagne
Marnus Labuschagne (Image Credit: Twitter)

Ben Oliver, CA’s EGM of National Teams said: “It was great to see our Olympians receiving their vaccination shots ahead of the Tokyo Games and we are working through logistics for the Australian men’s team with the relevant agencies. We will comply with all government directives in relation to vaccinations and international travel.”

Marnus Labuschagne, however, will remain in Wales with county side Glamorgan because of “the logistical complexities of joining the squad from the UK and associated quarantines”, Cricket Australia (CA) said in a news release. Australia will play three one-dayers in Barbados and five 20-over internationals in St Lucia as they continue their preparations for the World Twenty20 in India later this year.

Australia’s 23-member preliminary squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Tanveer Sangha, D’Arcy Short, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

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