Three Debutants in AUS Playing XI Announced for SA vs AUS 1st T20I. Check Details

Three Australians are poised to make their international debuts in SA vs AUS 1st T20I at Durban.

AUS Playing XI has been announced for SA vs AUS 1st T20I. Three Australians are poised to make their international debuts during the first T20I against South Africa in Durban on Wednesday evening.

AUS Playing XI for SA vs AUS 1st T20I

Cricket Australia confirmed that uncapped players Matt Short, Aaron Hardie, and Spencer Johnson will be part of the series opener at Kingsmead, as the Australian team undergoes a significant transformation with nine changes from their previous T20 lineup.

Matt Short, who was named the Big Bash League’s player of the last summer, will partner with Adelaide Strikers teammate Travis Head at the top of the order, while West Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis will take on the role of the gloves. Notably, Mitchell Marsh will make his debut as the captain.

With the absence of key players like Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green, and David Warner due to various reasons, these fresh faces are getting an opportunity to showcase their talents on the international stage.

Travis Head, who shared the field with Spencer Johnson at South Australia, expressed his confidence in the left-armed quick’s abilities, especially his knack for swinging the ball and taking wickets at crucial moments.

“He’s gone through a bit of injury stuff but he’s someone who bowls at high speed and can swing the ball. He’s done it really well at tournaments over the last couple of months. His body is good, he’s bowling fast, hopefully he can be that guy for us at the top of the bowling innings, someone similar to Starcy and a matchwinner taking wickets,” Head remarked.

Speaking of Matt Short, Head noted, “He’s continuing to get better and better. He’s gone around the world and learned some skillsets and seen it done differently. He’s coming in off some good stuff.”