Australia Hand T20I Debuts to Three Players for Pakistan Series Opener

Mahli Beardman, Jack Edwards and Matthew Renshaw are set to make their T20I debuts as Australia face Pakistan.

Australia will hand T20I debuts to Mahli Beardman, Jack Edwards, and Matthew Renshaw in the series opener against Pakistan. Travis Head will lead the side for the opening game. Mitch Marsh remains unavailable, having arrived in the country less than 48 hours earlier.

Pakistan will announce their team at the toss. The three debutants are not part of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad. Injuries to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, and managed workload for Glenn Maxwell created openings.

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Matthew Renshaw is set to bat at number four after an impressive Big Bash season with Brisbane Heat. His campaign featured a maiden BBL century during a record 258-run chase against Perth Scorchers. Renshaw already owns 14 Test caps and three ODI appearances.

Jack Edwards also earns attention after a strong BBL|15. The Sydney Sixers allrounder took 19 wickets, the second-highest tally this season. Only Haris Rauf finished ahead. Fast bowler Mahli Beardman, aged 20, makes his senior debut. He starred at the Under-19 World Cup two years ago. Beardman later took 13 wickets in 11 games for Perth Scorchers, regularly bowling above 140kph.

Australia and Pakistan will play three T20Is in Lahore across four days.

Australia Playing XI

Travis Head (c), Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman

Australia Full Squad

Mitch Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stonis, Adam Zampa