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'Ek aur World Cup trophy ki tayyari' - Fans react as Australia name power-packed squad for T20I tour of New Zealand

Chief selector George Bailey said that the series against Windies and Black Caps will help Australia to pick a power-packed squad for the World Cup.

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Mathew K
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Australia (Source: X)

Australia (Source: X)

With the 2024 T20 World Cup in focus, Australia have recalled their veteran players to take on the challenge against New Zealand. The former champions have announced a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I tour. Pat Cummins is back in the shorter format but surprisingly Mitchell Marsh was chosen as the captain of the side.

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Cummins will have the partnership of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood in the pace attack. Notably, the star trio returned to the T20 set-up after last playing the format in the 2022 T20 World Cup on home soil. Travis Head and Steve Smith will also return after being rested for Australia's upcoming three-match series against West Indies, which starts in Hobart on Friday.

Meanwhile, in the absence of retired David Warner, Australia have added opener Matt Short to the senior squad. Another highlight was recently declared Australia's Men's T20 Player of the Year, Jason Behrendorff, and bowling allrounder Sean Abbott couldn't find a place.

Australia have their eyes set on the World Cup

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Chief selector George Bailey said that the series against Windies and Black Caps will help Australia to pick a power-packed squad for the World Cup. He added that the performance of the players in the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will also play a crucial role in finalising the squad for the marquee event in June. 

"The next six games will provide us the opportunity to start shaping what we think our World Cup squad will look like and potential roles within that. We will also fully utilise the opportunity to monitor and watch the performances of the Australian players in the IPL immediately preceding the World Cup," said Bailey. 

The T20 series between Australia and New Zealand will be played from February 21 to February 25. Wellington and Auckland will host the high-intensity contest between the two powerhouses. 

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Australia squad for T20I series against New Zealand: Mitchell Marsh (c), Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Here's how fans reacted to the Australian squad for the T20I series against New Zealand:

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