Australia has announced a 16-man squad for the upcoming five-match T20 series against Sri Lanka.
Test stars Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood – who played only one Ashes Test this summer due to a side strain – have been named, as has BBL Player of the Tournament Ben McDermott.
McDermott, who averages just 13.66 from 17 T20Is, will look to translate his scintillating BBL form onto the international stage.
The 27-year-old smashed 577 runs at 48 for the Hobart Hurricanes in BBL|11, hitting back-to-back centuries and three half-centuries across 13 games.
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“I don’t think that I wasn't ready to play for Australia (before), but I do feel ready now,” McDermott said on Tuesday.
“I feel like I’m at the top of my game.”
David Warner and Mitchell Marsh will both miss the series, while Jhye Richardson, Travis Head and Moises Henriques were recalled.
Assistant coach Andrew McDonald will act as head coach for the Sri Lanka series, with Justin Langer taking leave ahead of the tour of Pakistan.
Australia will look to defend their T20 World Cup title when they host the 2022 T20 World Cup in October and November.
Australia T20 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Josh Inglis, Ben McDermott, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.
Series schedule:
February 11: First T20, SCG, 7.10pm AEDT
February 13: Second T20, SCG, 7.10pm AEDT
February 15: Third T20, Manuka Oval, 7.10pm AEDT
February 18: Fourth T20, MCG, 7.10pm AEDT
February 20: Fifth T20, MCG, 7.10pm AEDT