Australia include three spinners, uncapped Inglis in T20 World Cup squad

Australia on Thursday have named three frontline spinners - Mitchell Swepson, Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa - alongside uncapped keeper-batsman Josh Inglis in their 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Oman and the UAE. The likes of Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner and Pat Cummins, who skipped the tours of West Indies and Bangladesh, also return to the national side for the showpiece tournament.

Steve Smith, who was also sidelined from the tours due to a recurring elbow tours, also returned to the squad while skipper Aaron Finch is recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered during the ODI series against West Indies.

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood’s impressive form on his return to the T20 side last summer and in the West Indies and Bangladesh led to his inclusion to complete the pace attack alongside Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Kane Richardson.

"Some of the squad are expected to take part in the second half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) prior to the tournament while others will prepare with their respective states," an official release from Cricket Australia said.

Chief selector George Baily said that Inglis has been included as a back-up to keeper Matthew Wade, with his batting performances in the 2021 Vitality Blast, where he top scored 531 runs from 14 matches, being the key to his selection.

“Josh has been on our radar for some time with his performances in white ball cricket and more recently in the Vitality Blast where he topped the run charts,” Bailey said.  

“He offers the squad flexibility in the batting order with his adaptability, counterattacking ability and power striking. He is a player we are excited about for the future.” 

Tasmanian Nathan Ellis, who claimed a hat-trick on debut against Bangladesh, alongside all-rounders Daniel Sams and Dan Christian have been named travelling reserves.

"We are confident this squad has the ability to take the side deep into what will be an extremely competitive tournament. We have some of the best players in the world in their respective roles combined with the collective experience to succeed against the very best T20 sides in the world,” Bailey added. 

 The squad is due to depart for the UAE in late September or early October.

Australia squad for T20 World Cup: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (vc), Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa. 

Travelling reserves: Dan Christian, Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams.