IPL stars pull out as Australia name 18-man squad for West Indies and Bangladesh tour

A new look Australia will be on display when they travel to West Indies and Bangladesh for a limited-overs tour. The Aaron Finch led side will be without the services of IPL bound stars, including Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, David Warner, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Jhye Richardson and Kane Richardson, who have pulled out of the upcoming tours.

Advertisment

Australian selector Trevor Hohns expressed his disappointment at not being able to select a full-strength squad. Even though the IPL was suspended in May, the players returned home last month after completing their quarantine in the Maldives.

"We are naturally disappointed not to have all players available for the Australian team at this time however the NSP (National Selection Panel) respects the decisions of those who have opted out of this tour," Trevor Hohns said.

Australia will play five T20Is and three ODIs in West Indies next month before crossing swords with Bangladesh in a five-match T20I series in August. However, with several stars missing, they won’t be able to field a full-strength squad. On the flip side, this will give them an opportunity to test their bench strength and finalise their squad for the mega event.

Advertisment

Aaron Finch will continue to lead the side while Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, and Josh Hazlewood will comprise a strong and experienced bowling attack. In Josh Philippe and Riley Meredith, and Wes Agar, Australia have a few very good youngsters who will be keen to make a mark at the big stage.

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Wes Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Dan Christian, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

Travelling reserves: Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha.