Australia has made several changes to its T20 squad for the upcoming five-match series against India, including the return of Glenn Maxwell and Ben Dwarshuis from injury. Key Test hopefuls Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott will miss parts of the series to focus on Sheffield Shield cricket ahead of the Ashes, while uncapped pacer Mahli Beardman earns a call-up.
Maxwell, who fractured his wrist before the T20 series in New Zealand last month, is set to rejoin the squad for the final three matches against India. Left-arm quick Dwarshuis, recovering from a calf injury that ruled him out of the ODIs, will be available for the last two T20 fixtures. Wicketkeeper Josh Philippe remains with the T20 squad as cover for Josh Inglis, who is still recovering from a calf strain but is expected back for the final ODI.
In the ODI squad, Marnus Labuschagne has been released ahead of Saturday's final match in Sydney to prepare for Queensland's upcoming Sheffield Shield game. New South Wales all-rounder Jack Edwards earns his first international call-up, joining the ODI squad alongside spinner Matt Kuhnemann for the dead rubber at the SCG. Kuhnemann replaces Adam Zampa, who featured in the second ODI.
The decision to rest Hazlewood and Abbott from the latter stages of the T20 series points towards, Australia's focus on the upcoming Ashes. Hazlewood will play only the first two T20s, while Abbott will feature in the first three before both return to their state sides for the fourth round of the Sheffield Shield starting November 10. Their availability for red-ball cricket is crucial, particularly with captain Pat Cummins' Ashes participation uncertain due to a back injury.
Young Western Australian fast bowler Mahli Beardman, 20, comes into the T20 squad for the final three games as Hazlewood's replacement, marking a surprise selection. The T20 series against India begins in Canberra on October 29.
Australia squad for final ODI vs India: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Matt Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.
Australia T20I squad vs India: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott (games 1-3), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman (games 3-5), Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis (games 4-5), Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood (games 1-2), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell (games 3-5), Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
