Australia A new chapter was added to their T20I setup by giving three players the opportunity to make their international debut in the opening match of the 2017–19 Indian Premier League. Three match series against Pakistan Thursday, January 29 at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium.
Young fast bowler Mahali Beardman, all-rounder Jack Edwards and left-handed batsman Matthew Renshaw were named in the playing eleven, providing a vital injection of youth and depth.
Travis Head to lead Australia in Mitchell Marsh’s absence
Travis Head was handed the captaincy when regular captain Mitchell Marsh arrived in Pakistan just hours before the match.
The absence of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Nathan Ellis and Glenn Maxwell for the Pakistan tour also opened the door for fringe players and domestic performers, giving the team management an opportunity to assess the bench strength in subcontinent conditions.
Matthew Renshaw completes Australia tour in all formats
Among the newcomers, Matthew Renshaw comes in with the most experience at the elite level. The Queensland batsman, who has already featured in 14 Tests and three ODIs, has now become an international player for Australia across all formats.
Renshaw received his selection after a stellar Big Bash League campaign with the Brisbane Heat, where he scored his maiden BBL century in a remarkable chase of 258 against the Perth Scorchers. Renshaw, who bats at No. 4, will be crucial in stabilizing the middle order against Pakistan’s quality spin attack.
Jack Edwards rewarded for success in BBL season
Sydney Sixers all-rounder Jack Edwards has been one of the hottest names in the Australian domestic circuit over the past year. A revelation with the ball in BBL|15, Edwards finished with 19 wickets – the second-highest feat in the tournament. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds balance to Australia’s playing eleven.
Mahali Beardman gets senior call-up after under-19 success
The youngest of the trio, 20-year-old Mahali Beardman, is making her first steps into senior international cricket after shining at the junior level. Beardman was part of Australia’s victorious Under-19 World Cup campaign two years ago and has continued to develop into a genuine fast bowling prospect.
Representing the Perth Scorchers in the BBL, Beardman demonstrated raw pace and consistency, regularly clocking speeds above 140 km/h and taking 13 wickets in 11 matches. His inclusion signals Australia’s intention to invest in fast bowling depth for the future.
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Pakistan decided to bat first in the first match of the T20 series.
At the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first, favoring their batting depth on a generally good Gaddafi surface.
Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head (captain), Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahali Beardman
Pakistan (Playing XI): Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Aga (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.
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