Australia rang in a fresh chapter in their T20I setup by handing international debuts to three players in the opening match of the three-game series against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, January 29.
Young pacer Mahli Beardman, allrounder Jack Edwards, and left-handed batter Matthew Renshaw were all named in the playing XI, marking a significant injection of youth and depth.
Travis Head leads Australia in Mitchell Marsh’s absence
With regular captain Mitchell Marsh arriving in Pakistan only a few hours before the match, Travis Head was entrusted with the captaincy.
The absence of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Nathan Ellis and Glenn Maxwell for the Pakistan tour also opened the door for fringe players and domestic performers, giving team management a chance to assess bench strength in subcontinental conditions.
Matthew Renshaw completes all-format Australia journey
Among the debutants, Matthew Renshaw arrives with the most experience at the elite level. Already capped in 14 Tests and three ODIs, the Queensland batter now becomes an all-format international for Australia.
Renshaw earned his selection following a prolific Big Bash League campaign with the Brisbane Heat, where he notched up a maiden BBL century during a remarkable 258-run chase against the Perth Scorchers. Slotted in to bat at No. 4, Renshaw’s role will be crucial in stabilising the middle order against Pakistan’s quality spin attack.
Jack Edwards rewarded for breakthrough BBL season
Sydney Sixers allrounder Jack Edwards has been one of the most talked-about names in Australia’s domestic circuit over the past year. A revelation with the ball in BBL|15, Edwards finished with 19 wickets – the second-highest tally in the tournament. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds balance to Australia’s playing XI.
Mahli Beardman earns senior call-up after U-19 success
The youngest of the trio, 20-year-old Mahli Beardman, takes his first step into senior international cricket after shining at the junior level. Beardman was part of Australia’s victorious Under-19 World Cup campaign two years ago and has continued to develop as a genuine fast-bowling prospect.
Representing the Perth Scorchers in the BBL, Beardman showcased raw pace and consistency, regularly clocking speeds above 140kph and finishing with 13 wickets from 11 matches. His inclusion signals Australia’s intent to invest in fast-bowling depth for the future.
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Pakistan opt to bat first in the T20I series opener
At the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first, backing their batting depth on a typically good Gaddafi surface.
Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head (c), Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman
Pakistan (Playing XI): Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.
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