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Singapore-born Tim David’s rapid rise through the cricket ranks has continued after being named in Australia’s Twenty20 World Cup squad.
After being bought by the Mumbai Indians for a whopping $1.53 million in this year’s Indian Premier League auction, David has chosen to be part of Australia’s T20 title defence on home soil.
The towering all-rounder, who was raised in Perth after being born in Singapore, is the only surprise inclusion for the tournament and a quick trip to India in September.
Legspinner Mitchell Swepson has been overlooked after heading to the UAE last year as Australia won their first T20 World Cup.
“This is a similar squad to that which became the first Australian’s men’s team to win a T20 World Cup who are now very excited about playing the tournament at home,” chairman of selectors George Bailey said.
“Mitchell Swepson was unlucky to miss out based on conditions in the UAE at the last World Cup where we planned for tired, spinning wickets compared to what we would expect are good batting conditions along with the larger grounds in Australia.
“Tim (David) continues to establish himself with some quality performances in leagues around the world, earning a place in the squad.
(Photo Getty Images)
“He is a highly gifted, natural ball striker who will add extra batting depth to the group which has had a lot of success in T20 cricket.
“We expect him to play a similar role to that he has been playing in the past few years.”
David, who has made a name for himself in the Big Bash League with Hobart Hurricanes, has already had a taste of international cricket.
The 26-year-old played 14 T20Is for Singapore in 2019 and 2020, averaging 46.5 with the bat.
Veteran opener David Warner will miss the three T20s in India in preparation for a busy summer of cricket, with young all-rounder Cameron Green included in his place.
Concerns are growing yet again around captain Aaron Finch’s form and says footwork patterns but he’s been backed to turn it around by Bailey.
Finch has played 10 ODIs in 2022 and scored 159 runs at an average of only 15.9, while his strike-rate (73.95) is also the lowest it’s ever been during his career.
“Finchy’s record over his entire career is a pretty incredible one,” Bailey said on Thursday. “He’s the leader of the team and I think you’d be a very brave person to write him off. Very excited for him to lead his team in a home World Cup which is pretty special.”
In their opening two one-dayers of the summer in Townsville, Finch has registered just 16 runs across two innings against Zimbabwe. The 35-year-old says front-foot patterns to begin his time at the crease has hindered his batting.
“When I get a bit heavy there it starts to affect the rest of my game,” Finch noted. “I feel as though that’s coming along really well. The rewards will be there very soon, just hasn’t happened just yet.
“I know that I’ve got the full support of the players and the coaching and selection staff so I’m working hard on my game. It just hasn’t quite flowed yet.
“It just comes down to giving yourself a bit of time and hopefully getting a big one shortly.”
AUSTRALIA: Aaron Finch (capt), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
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