AUS squad for IND ODIs announced: Khawaja, Siddle back
Published on: Jan 5, 2019 2:36 am IST|Updated on: Jan 5, 2019 2:36 am IST
Australian team management has made sweeping changes in the ODI squad for the series against India. The home team has recalled senior players including Nathan Lyon, Usman Khawaja and Peter Siddle for this all important series. Meanwhile, the pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Patt Cummins has been rested and Aaron Finch will continue to lead the ODI team.
Siddle, Lyon back in bowling department
Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins were part of all four Tests against India and have bowled for a long period. With the world cup approaching, Australian team management wants to ensure that their core bowling unit remains fit and fresh.
Hence the selectors have rested the trio and have called back Peter Siddle in the squad.
With Peter Siddle returning to the Aussie 50-over squad, here's a look back at his most recent ODI wicket back in November 2010! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/xcATzfSAz2
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2019
The tall pacer Billy Stanlake will accompany Siddle in the pace bowling department while Nathan Lyon has been recalled as well. Adam Zampa is the other spinner in the squad.
Khawaja, Marsh in; Head, Lynn out
Chris Lynn, Travis Head and D’Arcy Short have been dropped due to their failure to make an impact in white ball cricket.
In the absence of Warner and Smith, the selectors have gone back to the experienced players to inject strength in the batting order. Khawaja, Peter Handscomb and Mitchell Marsh are part of the middle order.
National selectors explain the sweeping changes in the squad
Trevor Hohns the national selector noted that with the world cup looming, they have selected players which they feel provide them with the flexibility to play a variety of roles at different stages of a match.
He stated that with a focus on improving their ability to post competitive totals they have recalled Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb and Mitch Marsh to the squad.
According to Hohns, Usman is a batsman they know can put vital runs on the board at the top of the order, and Peter is not only a fine player of spin bowling, he’s also a batsman they know can hold an innings together while keeping the scoreboard ticking over. And Mitch gives them another all-round option with his ability with both bat and ball.
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Australia’ full 14-member squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Jhye Richardson, Billy Stanlake, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa