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Australia have announced an inexperienced squad to take on South Africa in the Twenty20 series beginning in Australia on 5th November.
Aaron Finch remains as captain, with George Bailey removed from the squad.
The story of the 13 selected is one of form, with players hitting their straps in the Domestic One-Day Cup being rewarded with selection.
Ben Dunk, fresh off smashing a domestic record 227 against Queensland, will take over the gloves from Brad Haddin, who will be rested after the Test series in the UAE.
Form batsman Nathan Reardon and Cameron White have been included in the squad to add hitting power down the order, while none of the squad currently gearing up for red-ball action against Pakistan will play in the series. James Faulkner is the only one who might, pending his availability after the tour.
On the bowling front, domestic toilers Doug Bollinger, who has been in good form for the Blues, and Ben Cutting will combine with Kane Richardson. Leg spinner Cameron Boyce will be the spinning option for the Australian.
Rod Marsh says the focus on youth means that this squad could be the bones of that which travels to the 2016 World T20.
“While the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 seems a long time away, the nature of short T20 series at international level means every match between now and then is a great opportunity for players to show what they’re capable of against high quality opposition,” Marsh said.
“This series of three matches provides new captain Aaron Finch the opportunity to really work with the T20 squad after commencing his tenure as captain with a win against Pakistan in the one-off T20 a couple of weeks ago.
“The squad itself includes a good blend of youth and experience, providing Aaron with multiple options with both bat and ball. We’ve seen some good form in Matador One-Day Cup recently from players such as Cameron White, Nathan Reardon, Ben Dunk and Ben Cutting and they’ve been rewarded for those good performances.
“Shane Watson also returns from injury and we certainly know the destruction he is capable of causing in this format of the game.
“We may also look to add a player to this squad following the naming of the second Test team in the UAE,” Marsh said.
13-man Australian Twenty20 squad to play South Africa
Aaron Finch (c)
Sean Abbott
Doug Bollinger
Cameron Boyce
Patrick Cummins
Ben Cutting
Ben Dunk (wk)
James Faulkner*
Nic Maddinson
Nathan Reardon
Kane Richardson
Shane Watson
Cameron White
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