Opener David Warner was among four big names who returned Wednesday to Australia’s squad for a two-match Twenty20 series against the West Indies on Australian soil next month.
Warner will be joined by allrounders Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis and fast bowler Mitchell Starc in the 16-man squad after missing the three-match T20 series in India, which Rohit Sharma’s men won 2-1.
Warner was rested from that series to manage his preparation for the World Cup in Australia starting next month, while Marsh (ankle), Stoinis (side strain) and Starc (knee) have overcome injuries.
Allrounder Cameron Green has been retained in the squad despite not being included in Australia’s squad for the World Cup, which is being played from October 16 to November 13.
Australia plays its first World Cup match against New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 22.
Former Australia batter and National Selection Panel Chair George Bailey said the series against the West Indies will be vital match practice ahead of the T20 World Cup.
“We have and are taking a cautious approach with the World Cup on the near horizon,” Bailey said.
“To have four key players return gives us the ability to take a conservative path with any minor issues and resolve those well in time for the World Cup.
Bailey said he expects Agar and Richardson to return for the following series against England. That three-match T20 series will be held in Perth and Canberra from October 9-14.
“As such we anticipate Kane and Ashton will return for the following series against England.”
Australia squad for West Indies T20Is: Aaron Finch, Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Daniel Sams, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa