Cricket Australia (CA) has today announced the national men’s and women’s squads for the upcoming ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh.
The CA National Selection Panel (NSP) has named a 15-player men’s squad for the ICC World Twenty20 as well as three Twenty20 matches against South Africa in the lead-up to the tournament.
The 15-player ICC World Twenty20 squad is:
George Bailey (C)
Dan Christian
Nathan Coulter-Nile
James Faulkner
Aaron Finch
Brad Haddin
Brad Hodge
Brad Hogg
Glenn Maxwell
James Muirhead
Mitchell Johnson
Mitchell Starc
David Warner
Shane Watson
Cameron White
Commenting on the chosen squad, National Selector John Inverarity said: “We have selected a squad that has plenty of experience playing the Twenty20 format in the sub-continent, which augers well for the challenges of Bangladesh,” Inverarity said.
“We have a group with good depth in power hitting and a range of bowling options. It has been strengthened by the return of Mitch Johnson, Brad Haddin, Shane Watson and David Warner who were not considered recently for Twenty20 selection against England due to the Test Tour of South Africa.
“The NSP was pleased with the way the side performed in those Twenty 20 matches where they played with great confidence and authority. Of those performances we were highly impressed with James Muirhead who displayed a good temperament, excellent control and a leg-break that turns significantly. He is an exciting inclusion.
“Brad Hogg comes into the squad as the other frontline spinner. Once again Brad bowled very well for the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League and many batsmen found him difficult to read. Despite his age, his enthusiasm and fitness are undiminished.
“Glenn Maxwell and Dan Christian provide good all-round capabilities including important bowling variety and excellent fielding.
“Brad Hodge has made a great number of Twenty20 runs on the sub-continent and played many match defining innings there. He will provide the squad with a great deal of calm experience and knowledge. His inclusion is just reward for his outstanding performances in this form of the game over many seasons.
“James Faulkner is recovering well from his knee surgery. He is expected to be fully fit for Bangladesh. We will monitor his rehabilitation to see how he is progressing for the matches in South Africa.”
Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars squad for ICC Women’s World Twenty20
The CA Women’s National Selection Panel (WNSP) today announced a 15-player squad for the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 in Bangladesh next month.
Meg Lanning has been named as the new Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars T20 captain.
The 15-player ICC Women’s World Twenty20 squad is:
Meg Lanning (C)
Jodie Fields (VC)
Alex Blackwell
Nicole Bolton
Jess Cameron
Sarah Coyte
Rene Farrell
Holly Ferling
Alyssa Healy
Julie Hunter
Jess Jonassen
Delissa Kimmince
Erin Osborne
Ellyse Perry
Elyse Villani
Commenting on the squad, WNSP Chair of Selectors Julie Savage said: “The majority of this squad has experienced World Cup success and understand what is required to perform at a high level in these tournaments.
"It has the right combination of firepower and finesse to maximise our chances of bringing home a third successive ICC Women’s World T20 trophy.
“The team will be looking to capitalise on its strong finish to the recent Women’s Ashes whereby they won the Twenty 20 component of the series. The squad will be looking to take this momentum into the tournament.”
The CA WNSP has advised that Meg Lanning will continue as captain of the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars for the ICC Women’s World T20.
Commenting on the captaincy Savage said: "Jodie Fields’ season has been disrupted significantly with illness and injury. We believe the best outcome for Jodie and the team is for her to concentrate solely on her recovery and getting back to the best possible form with the bat and the gloves.
"As a young captain, Meg performed extremely well in the recent 2014 Commonwealth Bank Women’s Ashes Series and is well placed to continue in the role. She has great leadership potential and is widely respected by her peers. We congratulate her on this appointment.
Savage also commented on the inclusion of 24-year-old Konica Milota Queensland Fire all-rounder Delissa Kimmince following strong performances at domestic level. Kimmince last played for the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars in the ICC Women’s World Cup in Sydney in 2009.
“Delissa has had a very consistent domestic season with the bat and ball, which culminated in her player-of-the-match performance in the WT20 final last week. She thoroughly deserves her chance in the national line-up.”
Australian Men’s ICC World Twenty20 pool matches
Sunday 23 March: Australia v Pakistan, Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur
Friday 28 March: Australia v West Indies, Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur
Monday 31 March: Australia v India, Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur.
Tuesday 1 April: Australia v Qualifier, Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur.
All of Australia’s pool matches as well as the semi-finals and the final will be broadcast on the Nine Network and FOX Sports. All other tournament matches will be broadcast on FOX Sports.
Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars Group Matches
Sunday 23 March: Australia v New Zealand, Sylhet
Tuesday 25 March: Australia v South Africa, Sylhet
Thursday 27 March: Australia v Ireland, Sylhet
Saturday 29 March: Australia v Pakistan, Sylhet
The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars are supported by the Australian Government’s Women in Sport Media Grant program, which is designed to increase the profile of women’s sport through increased media coverage.