Cricket Australia have announced changes to their T20I squad, with no Josh Hazlewood and Spencer Johnson, ahead of the five-match series against West Indies, starting July 21.
No Josh Hazlewood and Spencer Johnson for T20I series against West Indies
While Hazlewood has been rested to prepare for the South Africa series, Johnson is yet to recover from a back injury. In their place, dynamic opener Jake Fraser-McGurk and promising pacer Xavier Bartlett have been called up. This move signals Australia’s intent to test bench strength with an eye on the T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka and India next year.
The series presents a key opportunity for Fraser-McGurk, who missed out on a central contract earlier this year, to reignite his international career. The squad will be led by Mitchell Marsh, who is in excellent form and will aim to continue Australia’s T20 dominance. Key Test stars Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Travis Head will returned home after wrapping up the Test series against West Indies. With 12 wins in their last 14 T20Is, Australia will be looking to build further momentum. The series will feature matches in Kingston and Basseterre, offering different pitch challenges.
Also READ: ENG vs IND: Nitish Kumar Reddy credits Australian great for success on Day 1 of Lord’s Test
Young guns step up as Mitchell Marsh leads a balanced Australia T20I unit
The 16-member Australian squad reflects a mix of experience and youth. Alongside Marsh, seasoned names like Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, Tim David and Nathan Ellis form the backbone of the team. Supporting them are exciting young guns including Cooper Connolly, Mitch Owen, Aaron Hardie and Matthew Short.
Fraser-McGurk, known for his explosive batting in youth internationals, now has a chance to translate that promise onto the senior stage. His U19 heroics against West Indies are still remembered, and this return to Caribbean soil could bring him full circle. Meanwhile, Xavier Bartlett has impressed with the ball in domestic cricket and now gets a shot at showcasing his pace on the international front. With the T20 World Cup approaching, this series will serve as a testing ground for combinations, especially in bowling depth. The squad’s versatility also ensures coverage across departments, from big-hitting finishers to reliable death bowlers. Australia’s selectors will closely watch who rises in clutch moments. Given their recent form, the expectations remain high as they aim for a dominant outing.
Also READ: Australian star Ellyse Perry backs Charlotte Edwards to revive England’s fortunes