Australia includes two debutants and several old hands in T20 squad for India series.

AUSTRALIA has made mass changes to its Twenty20 International setup, naming two uncapped players and recalling several veterans for the upcoming series against India.

A total of 11 players that weren’t in the most recent Australian T20 squad - for a match against England last August - have been included in the 17-man group named for the three-match series against India.
Young batsman Travis Head and wily pace bowler Andrew Tye have been rewarded for their outstanding Big Bash League form to earn their maiden national call-ups.
Shane Watson was named in the group despite admitting earlier this month that his international career could be over, while there were recalls for veteran quick Shaun Tait, fringe Test batsman Shaun Marsh and current Test spinner Nathan Lyon.
The Big Bash’s leading run-scorer, Chris Lynn, was named as was standout leg-spinner Cameron Boyce, in what is a fair indication of the squad Australia will take to India for the World T20 in March.

Shane Watson has been rewarded for his Big Bash form. Picture: Jonathan Ng. Source: News Corp Australia

Australia also added Lyon to the one-day squad for the two remaining 50-over matches against India, while David Warner returns to the group after missing the past two matches for the birth of his second child.

Speaking about the Twenty20 squad, head selector Rod Marsh admitted preparing for the World T20 has been a prime motivator.
The inclusion of Watson is sure to raise eyebrows as he had recently been dropped from Australia’s one-day side and admitted earlier this month that his time in international cricket could have been over.
“Shane Watson has earned his recall to Australian colours through a combination of his experience – especially in short-form cricket – the all-round package he offers and the fact he is bang in form at the moment, having put performances on the board for the Sydney Thunder” Marsh said.
Tait is the next oldest player in the squad, and he hasn’t played for Australia in any format since 2011.

Nathan Lyon is set to make his T20 International debut, and play his first ODI since 2014. Source: Getty Images

“Shaun Tait returns on the basis that he is the quickest bowler going around in Australia at the moment and he offers us that explosive option if we choose to use it. Like Shane Watson, he is also vastly experienced in Twenty20 cricket.
Marsh admitted he wasn’t convinced of Tait’s ability to back up in the hectic Big Bash playing schedule, but has been presently surprised by the fast bowler’s efforts.
“To be honest I didn’t even know if he was going to play that many games,” Marsh said.
“I knew he was on the list.
“He’s probably the fastest bowler in the country at the moment and you do need a bit of pace in T20 cricket.
“We also have to remember we’re playing three matches under Australian conditions here and the World Cup’s not in Australia.
“So we’ll have to use a little bit of knowledge from the IPL, et cetera, to get that final 15 which is not going to be an easy task.”
Marsh was keen to emphasise the importance of Big Bash League form in selecting the squad. Only Warner and Smith haven’t played in the BBL this summer.

Andrew Tye (R) has been a consistent performer for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash. Picture: Gregg Porteous. Source: News Corp Australia

“Chris Lynn, Travis Head and Andrew Tye have made irresistible cases for inclusion off the back of individual excellence in the KFC BBL and we are delighted to offer them the opportunity to push their claims for inclusion in the ICC World Twenty20.
“In terms of leg-spin, Cameron Boyce has once again impressed in domestic action and deserves his spot.”
Marsh offered a World T20 lifeline to former captain George Bailey and Test all-rounder Mitch Marsh, hinting both remain in contention to head to the tournament despite missing out on this squad.
“Sadly we could not find places for George Bailey and Mitchell Marsh in the Twenty20 International squad but for both of them, and for others who have missed out on places in that line-up, the door is certainly not closed for selection for the ICC World Twenty20.
Australia’s T20 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Scott Boland, Cameron Boyce, James Faulkner, John Hastings, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Shaun Tait, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson.
Australia’s ODI squad: Steve Smith (c), Aaron Finch, David Warner, George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Wade, James Faulkner, John Hastings, Scott Boland, Kane Richardson, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh.