Jake Fraser-McGurk, who was called up to the squad a few days ago, has also been named in Australia’s XI for the first T20I against West Indies.
Mitchell Owen, known for his explosive batting in domestic cricket, has earned his maiden national team call-up — and has gone straight into the playing XI. Australia will take on West Indies with Owen making his debut in the first T20I.
The five-match T20I series between the two teams kicks off Monday morning (Bangladesh time) at Sabina Park in Jamaica. Australia announced their XI a day before the opening game.
However, the Aussies suffered a setback on the eve of the series. Matthew Short picked up a side strain during training. Although the injury is not said to be serious, he is expected to miss the entire series and has already been sent home.
Owen made headlines in the last Big Bash League with two blistering centuries, racking up 452 runs at a strike rate of 203.60. Despite getting opportunities in the PSL and IPL, the 23-year-old couldn’t replicate that form.
Still, Australia has backed his talent, naming him in the squad for the West Indies T20I series. The right-hander, who has scored 960 runs at a strike rate of 186.40 in 48 T20 matches, is now set for his international debut.
Jake Fraser-McGurk, the power-hitter who replaced pacer Spencer Johnson in the squad, also made it into the playing XI.
Earlier, Australia whitewashed West Indies 3-0 in the Test series.
Australia XI for the first T20I
Mitchell Marsh (capt), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa.
