Mitch Marsh is poised to take on the role of captain for Australia’s Twenty20 side, potentially leading the team in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The announcement comes as selectors assess leadership options for the tournament in June.
Marsh has been confirmed as the captain for the upcoming T20 series against West Indies at home, where regular captains Pat Cummins and Steve Smith will be rested. Marsh is also expected to continue leading the team in the subsequent T20 series in New Zealand.
Australia has been deliberating over the captaincy since the retirement of Aaron Finch in 2022, with Marsh having captained the team in South Africa last year. However, he did not have the chance to work with coach Andrew McDonald at that time. McDonald will join forces with Marsh in New Zealand next month.
Chief selector George Bailey expressed the interest in giving Marsh an extended opportunity as captain and emphasized the importance of seeing how he works with coach Andrew McDonald. Bailey hinted at the likelihood of continued experimentation with captaincy in white-ball cricket, with a permanent captaincy decision likely closer to major events.
The omission of Steve Smith from the T20 squad facing West Indies is seen as a chance for selectors to evaluate other options for the opening role. Josh Inglis, Matt Short, and Travis Head will be considered for this position, competing with Smith. Marsh is considered a strong contender for the No.3 position.
Bailey clarified that Smith’s exclusion does not imply challenges for his T20 World Cup prospects. Smith is expected to return for the T20 series in New Zealand, providing him with additional opportunities to showcase his capabilities. The absence of an IPL contract for Smith adds significance to the New Zealand series, as it will be his final chance to make an impact before the World Cup.
Selectors are exploring options for the batting order, with an emphasis on versatility, flexibility, and agility of players in different roles. Cameron Green remains in contention for the World Cup squad, depending on his performance in the IPL. Additionally, Ashton Agar is not ruled out, considering Australia’s likely inclusion of two spinners for the Caribbean tour.
Australia T20 squad: Mitch 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.
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