Australia call up Dunk, Reardon
The uncapped Ben Dunk and Nathan Reardon have been named in Australia’s squad for next month’s Twenty20 International series against South Africa.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Dunk recently struck a remarkable 229 not out for Tasmania in a domestic limited-overs fixture at the North Sydney Oval, while the left-handed Reardon has secured a fine stretch of form in Queensland’s middle order this season.
Batsman Aaron Finch will continue to captain the team after the veteran George Bailey’s resignation from the position earlier this year.
The inexperienced Nic Maddinson has been recalled, seamer Sean Abbott retained and the hard-hitting Cameron White recalled.
“While the 2016 World Twenty20 seems a long time away, the nature of short T20 series at international level means every match between now and then is a great opportunity for players to show what they’re capable of against high quality opposition,” said national selector Rod Marsh.
“This series of three matches provides new captain Finch the opportunity to really work with the T20I squad after commencing his tenure as captain with a win against Pakistan in the one-off T20I a couple of weeks ago.
Opener David Warner, fast bowler Mitchell Johnson and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell were declared unavailable due to the three T20Is’ close proximity to Australia’s ongoing series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
“The squad itself includes a good blend of youth and experience, providing Aaron with multiple options with both bat and ball. We may also look to add a player to this squad following the naming of the second Test team in the UAE,” added Marsh.
New South Welshman Trevor Bayliss will coach the side in the absence of the successful Darren Lehmann, who has been afforded a rest ahead of next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Sean Abbott, Doug Bollinger, Cameron Boyce, Patrick Cummins, Ben Cutting, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Nic Maddinson, Nathan Reardon, Kane Richardson, Shane Watson, Cameron White.
Latest
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australia ‘sandpapergate’ ball-tampering controversy erupts
The incident led to Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft being banned from playing for Australia.
-
England
Andrew Flintoff would be excellent England coach – Rob Key
The former national team captain will lead Northern Superchargers in The Hundred this summer.