Australia have unveiled a refreshed 17-man squad for a three-match Twenty20 International series against Pakistan, scheduled to begin on 29 January in Lahore, as part of their build-up to the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The selection features two uncapped players—fast bowler Mahli Beardman and all-rounder Jack Edwards—who have been rewarded for their impressive performances in the Big Bash League (BBL).
The series will be led by Mitchell Marsh, while several senior figures from Australia’s established T20 core will be absent. Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis will link up with the World Cup squad in Sri Lanka instead of travelling to Pakistan. As a result, only ten members of the provisional World Cup group will take part in the Pakistan series, underlining the selectors’ intention to broaden the team’s depth.
Chief selector George Bailey described the tour as a valuable opportunity for fringe players and emerging talent. He noted that the Pakistan series would allow players on the cusp of regular selection to stake their claims, while also offering younger cricketers exposure to high-pressure international cricket in subcontinental conditions. Bailey added that Beardman had previously been involved with the national setup, while Edwards gained senior experience during Australia’s ODI series against India last year.
At just 20, Beardman has attracted attention as a promising pace prospect. Representing the Perth Scorchers in the BBL, he claimed eight wickets and demonstrated pace and control beyond his years. Edwards, meanwhile, has enjoyed a standout season with the Sydney Sixers, taking 15 wickets at an average of 18.33 and contributing useful runs down the order, marking him as a genuine all-round option.
The squad also includes experienced campaigners such as Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa, alongside versatile batters Travis Head, Josh Philippe and Matt Renshaw. However, the selectors have acknowledged that several players involved in the BBL final may miss the opening match of the series due to scheduling commitments.
All three matches will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, offering consistent conditions throughout the series. Following the Pakistan tour, Australia will turn their attention fully to the World Cup, beginning their campaign against Ireland on 11 February.
Key Newcomers’ BBL Performances
| Player | Role | BBL Team | Matches | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahli Beardman | Fast bowler | Perth Scorchers | — | 8 | — |
| Jack Edwards | All-rounder | Sydney Sixers | — | 15 | 18.33 |
Australia T20 Squad for Pakistan Tour
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
With experimentation clearly on the agenda, the Pakistan series is set to play a crucial role in shaping Australia’s final World Cup plans.