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Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell return for T20Is against West Indies
Follow UsPat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Steven Smith have been rested, but are expected to be back for the New Zealand tour
Mitchell Marsh returns to Australia's T20 International (T20I) set-up along with all-rounder Glenn Maxwell for the upcoming series against the West Indies. Steven Smith, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have been rested for the three-match series, that gets underway from February 9 in Hobart.
World Cup winners Cummins and Starc have been "managed" for the series, due to the ongoing "minor psychical issues issues," but are expected to return for the tour of New Zealand, where the two teams will play three T20Is - the team's final few games in the format before the T20 World Cup - and a couple of Tests.
Marsh, who played a key role in Australia's triumph in the T20 World Cup 2021, took charge of the side during the South Africa tour last year, completing a 3-0 whitewash. After the ODI World Cup, Matthew Wade, who took charge of the side for the five-match T20Is against India, has also found a place in the 14-member squad.
Maxwell, who was under the scanner following an alcohol-related incident also returns to the squad. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and recently retired ODI and Test batter David Warner have also been named.
The series gives Sean Abbott, Matthew Short and Nathan Ellis, among others, an opportunity to make a claim for a place in the T20 World Cup.
“We see these matches as an opportunity to narrow down on those who may be part of the T20 World Cup squad later this year," chief selector George Bailey said.
“There are a further three T20 internationals in New Zealand following this West Indies Series where we will continue to build towards the T20WC as required.
“It is likely we will use the block of six games to provide opportunity to players in some different roles and positions.
“We will then be keeping a close eye on the IPL before choosing a World Cup squad.”
Australia and West Indies are currently in the middle of a Test series, which the visitors trail after a thumping 10-wicket loss in Adelaide. The two teams will clash in the second Test at the Gabba, starting Thursday (January 25), followed by the ODI and T20I series.
West Indies squad for T20Is vs Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa