Australia Surprise Include Tim David for T20 World Cup

Tim David image courtesy cricket.com.au

Sydney: Australia have put forward the squad to defend the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup crown, adding the firepower of a late-over specialist.

In the biggest news surrounding the group, Tim David has been picked by the Australian selectors, formally completing the switch from Associate Member Singapore.

The selection of the hard-hitting all-rounder is the only change from Australia’s all-conquering 2021 T20 World Cup group, replacing spinner Mitch Swepson to give Aaron Finch another option with the bat.

The 26-year-old has been a revelation on the domestic scene, making waves for his power with the bat in death-over situations. The addition of David is a boon for the Australians, who go into the tournament as one of the favourites on home soil.

Australian Chair of Selectors George Bailey welcomed the new addition of David, with the omission of Swepson also down to team needs and conditions.

Australia’s campaign begins in Sydney on October 22 when they take on trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand at the SCG.

The pair met in the 2021 final, where all-rounder Mitch Marsh stole the show with a 50-ball 77* in an eight-wicket win in Dubai.

Australia will tour India for three T20Is from September 21, with one minor change to the squad.

David Warner will stay in Australia as part of a managed period of preparation for a full summer schedule, with Cameron Green to replace the opener.

Australia T20 World Cup squad:
Aaron Finch (c), Pat Cummins (vc), Ashton Agar, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa