Australia faces a setback in their upcoming T20I series against India as veteran opener David Warner has opted to return home following the country's ODI World Cup triumph. Despite expectations of his participation in the T20I series starting from November 23, Warner has chosen to head back home ahead of his final Test summer.
Cricket Australia confirmed Warner's departure, citing the selectors' decision based on his significant contributions during the demanding World Cup campaign, where he emerged as Australia's leading run-scorer with 535 runs at an impressive average of 48.63.
The Australian squad sees the inclusion of emerging all-rounder Aaron Hardie as Warner's replacement. With Warner's exit, only seven members of Australia's victorious ODI World Cup squad will remain in India for the T20I series. The likes of Sean Abbott, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa, along with reserve spinner Tanveer Sangha, constitute the remainder of the squad.
Warner's absence prompts speculation about who might fill his spot at the top of the order for the upcoming five-match series that kicks off in Visakhapatnam. Notable contenders include Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Matt Short, all of whom are part of the touring party.
The series schedule includes five T20Is, commencing from November 23 in Vishakhapatnam and spanning until December 3, with matches scheduled in Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Raipur, and Bengaluru.
Australia's T20 squad comprises Matthew Wade as captain, alongside a mix of talented players such as Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, and others, who will aim to step up in Warner's absence and continue their winning momentum against India.
(With Agency Inputs)
