Is Sangha the Answer to Australia's T20I Squad Against India?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tanveer Sangha added to the T20I squad as a replacement for Adam Zampa.
- Zampa is unavailable due to personal reasons related to family.
- Sangha's experience includes seven T20I caps and impressive domestic performances.
- Australia's squad will undergo rotations throughout the series.
- The T20I series includes matches in multiple Australian cities.
Canberra, Oct 27 (NationPress) Leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha has been newly added to Australia’s roster for the forthcoming T20I series against India. This decision comes in light of first-choice spinner Adam Zampa being unavailable for the early matches due to personal matters.
Zampa's wife, Harriet, is anticipating the arrival of their second child, prompting him to return home after Saturday's third ODI in Sydney, which India clinched by nine wickets. Although Zampa missed the initial ODI in Perth, he made a comeback for the matches in Adelaide and Sydney, showcasing an impressive Player of the Match performance in Adelaide.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Zampa’s participation in the remaining T20Is, this situation paves the way for Sangha’s potential return to the national team. At 23 years old, Sangha last competed in a T20I in 2023 and holds seven caps with a total of ten wickets.
He had a remarkable debut against South Africa, securing 4-31, and demonstrated his prowess during the Australia A tour of India, where he took seven wickets. Presently, he leads the One-Day Cup wicket rankings with 10 dismissals in four matches for New South Wales.
Depending on the playing conditions, Sangha may collaborate with left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann in a dual spin assault. The Australian T20I squad will experience several player rotations - Josh Hazlewood is set to play in the first two matches in Canberra and Sydney before departing to prepare for the Ashes, while Sean Abbott will leave after the third game in Hobart.
Additionally, uncapped fast bowler Mahli Beardman, aged 20, is anticipated to join the squad from the third T20I onwards. He is yet to make his first-class debut but could receive his first international cap for Australia. Following the initial match at Manuka Oval in Canberra, Australia and India will face off in T20Is across Melbourne, Hobart, Gold Coast, and Brisbane.
Australia’s updated T20I squad includes: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott (matches 1-3), Mahli Beardman (matches 3-5), Ben Dwarshuis (matches 4-5), Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood (matches 1-2), Glenn Maxwell (matches 3-5), Tim David, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Matthew Short, Xavier Bartlett, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, and Tanveer Sangha.
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