T20 World Cup 2024: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith left out of Australia squad; Mitchell Marsh to lead
T20 World Cup 2024: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith left out of Australia squad; Mitchell Marsh to lead
Cricket Australia (CA) on Wednesday (May 1) announced the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia as former captain Steve Smithwas droppedwhile there was no place for Delhi Capitals’ Jake Fraser-McGurk. Australia, having won the 2021 edition of the T20 WorldCupwill bid to become the first team to hold the world title tags in all three formatsat the same timeif they win the upcoming tournament in the USA and the West Indies. Interestingly, despite being in thesquad, Pat Cummins will not play the captaincy role and instead, Mitchell Marsh has been given the nod.
Australia drop Smith
A veteran member of the squad in the last decade, Smith was dropped in favour of Cameron Greenwhowill play as an extraall-rounder, while Ashton Agarhas also been pickedfor the showpiece event in the USA and the West Indies. National team selector and former player George Bailey cleared the air on the situation, stating the likes of Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell and Green are better suited to the winning conditions.
"We believe Ashton can play a critical role in this tournament along with Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Cam Green and Mitch Marsh in complementing our front-line attack options," Bailey said.
"The batting options available allow a tailored approach to each venue and opponent."
Mitchell Marsh will lead the 15-member packin the USA, havingfirst led during the South Africa tour in September 2023.According to Cricket Australia, Marsh is fit and will lead the side despite being unfit andnot availablefor Delhi Capitals during the Indian Premier League. His colleague at DC, Fraser-McGurkwas unfortunate to miss out despite being one of the standout players in the IPL 2024.
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The Aussies have picked two wicketkeeperswithJosh Inglis and Matthew Wade getting the nod as expected.The bowling attack willbe spearheadedbyMitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood.
Australia T20 World Cup 2024 squad
Mitchell Marsh (capt), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), David Warner, Adam Zampa
