David Warner out of T20I Series against India after World Cup triumph
David Warner played a leading role in Australia's ODI world cup triumph in India.
Cricket PassionEditor
Posted - 2023-11-21T16:06:24+06:00
Updated - 2023-11-21T16:06:24+06:00
Australia selectors have withdrawn David Warner from the T20I series against India, paving the way for Steve Smith to be an opener for next year's World Cup in the format.
David Warner returns home after withdrawing from the upcoming five-match T20I series in India starting on Thursday. Warner was Australia's top run-getter in the recently concluded ODI World Cup as the country won a record sixth title.
“Selectors decided that Warner would return home after a successful but challenging World Cup campaign,” Cricket Australia said in a statement on Tuesday.
Warner is the latest among Australian stars who will not take part in the series, which will be the first of their preparations for next year's T20 World Cup.
David Warner has been replaced in the Australian T20 squad by pace bowling all-rounder Aaron Hardie. The West Australian made his T20I and ODI debut during the South Africa tour in September. With David Warner out of the series, Steve Smith could be promoted by Australia as an opener in the fourth series. The former Australian captain had an impressive performance as an opener for the Sydney Sixers in the last BBL season.
In another change, fast bowler Kane Richardson has replaced Spencer Johnson, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury.
Players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazlewood are also not part of the T20I squad, which is led by wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade.
Australia will also be without their head coach Andrew McDonald, who is also traveling home. Andre Borovec will be their replacement coach.
The five-match T20I series begins on November 23, four days after Australia beat India in the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup in Ahmedabad.
Australia T20I squad: Matthew Wade (c), Aaron Hardie, Jason Behrendorff, Sean Abbott, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa.