Melbourne, 19 January (H.S.): Australia announced a 17-player T20 squad on Monday, January 19, for their upcoming tour of Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup. Injured captain Pat Cummins, pace bowler Josh Hazlewood, and explosive batter Tim David have been rested to ensure full fitness for the global showpiece.

Selectors blended youth and experience for the three T20 internationals in Lahore. Perth Scorchers paceman Mahli Beardman and Sydney Sixers allrounder Jack Edwards earned maiden T20I call-ups on the back of stellar Big Bash League (BBL) form.

Neither has debuted internationally yet, though both featured in the white-ball squad during last year's India tour.Brisbane Heat batter Matthew Renshaw is also in line for a T20I debut against Pakistan. His recent BBL exploits earned the nod—he's amassed 604 runs across the past two seasons at an average of 35.53.

Jack Edwards tops the wicket charts for Sydney Sixers this BBL campaign with 15 scalps. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Mahli Beardman claimed 8 wickets in his first full BBL season, playing a key role in Perth Scorchers' ladder-topping finish.Players involved in BBL 15's final will join the squad post-tournament.

Selection chair George Bailey stated, “This series offers a golden opportunity for fringe players. It also allows young talents to gain experience alongside the World Cup core group.”

The three T20s against Pakistan are set for Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 29, 31, and February 1. Of the 17 traveling players, 10 are part of the T20 World Cup squad.

Australia expects Josh Hazlewood (hamstring and Achilles issues) and Tim David (hamstring) to be fit by the World Cup opener. Management remains patient with Pat Cummins' back injury, anticipating his return for the tournament's knockout stages.In the T20 World Cup, Australia will play group games in Sri Lanka, heading to India for the Super 8s if they advance.

Australia's T20 squad for Pakistan:

Mitchell Marsh (captain), 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 Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar