Cricket Australia (CA) has officially settled their final squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, confirming a 15-player team along with two traveling reserves. The selectors have decided to retain the core squad from their preliminary list, emphasizing the strength and balance of the current team. Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short will accompany the squad as reserves, reflecting the intense competition for spots.

Strong performance from Jake Fraser-McGurk in the IPL 2024

Fraser-McGurk, who made a significant impact in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 with the Delhi Capitals (DC), scored 330 runs in nine matches, boasting an average of 36.66 and a strike rate of 234.04. However, due to the depth and strength of Australia’s top-order batting, Fraser-McGurk narrowly missed out on a spot in the 15-man squad.

The versatility of Matt Short

Similarly, Matt Short, known for his versatility and outstanding form in the Big Bash League (BBL), was close to making the squad. Short was the Player of the Series in the BBL 2022-23, scoring 458 runs and taking 11 wickets. His T20I credentials include a strike rate of 175.96 from nine matches. Despite these impressive statistics, the depth in Australia’s batting lineup resulted in Short being named a traveling reserve.

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Head coach Andrew McDonald revealed that both Fraser-McGurk and Short were considered for opening roles in the squad. Nevertheless, the decision ultimately favoured the in-form players already established in these positions, which led to Fraser-McGurk and Short being named as reserves. McDonald highlighted the strong performances and form of the current top-order batters as the reason for this decision.

“You look at Jake’s form in the IPL – he took that by storm and he was a serious consideration for the final 15. And so was Matthew Short. His BBL form has been outstanding over a long period of time and he’s shown glimpses at the international level as well, albeit at times he’s had to play a different role. When you’re on the fringes potentially you’re going to have to play different roles at different times and he’s really embraced some middle-order opportunities,” McDonald was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Leadership and Key Players

Mitchell Marsh will lead the team, having been promoted to full-time T20I captain. The squad includes key players like left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, who returns to the T20I fold after his last appearance in the 2022 World Cup on Australian soil. The all-rounder contingent, featuring Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell, provides a robust blend of batting and bowling options.

Despite their proven abilities, notable players such as Steve Smith, Jason Behrendorff and Tanveer Sangha have not secured spots in Australia’s final squad for the global showpiece event.

Australia’s final squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Mitchell Marsh , Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Travelling Reserves: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Short

Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign

Australia’s campaign in the T20 World Cup will commence against Oman in Barbados on June 5, followed by Group B fixtures against England, Namibia and Scotland. The tournament, co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA, will be a significant test for Australia’s preparation and form.

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