Australia have unveiled a strong 17-player squad for their three-match T20I series against Pakistan in Lahore, with the tour forming a key part of their final preparations ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
All three matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium on January 29, January 31 and February 1, just days before the global tournament gets underway in the subcontinent. The series comes at a time when several senior players are managing fitness and workloads following a packed international calendar.
Australia squad for Pakistan T20Is
Mitchell 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 Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Marsh to lead, stars return from Ashes
Experienced all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will captain the side, continuing his leadership role in Australia’s white-ball setup. The squad also includes Travis Head, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis, all of whom were part of Australia’s recent Ashes campaign against England.
With the T20 World Cup looming, the series offers Australia an opportunity to sharpen their combinations in conditions similar to those expected later in the tournament.
Key World Cup players rested
Several high-profile names will not travel to Pakistan. Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis have been left out as Australia carefully manage their recovery and workloads.
Cummins, Hazlewood and David are still building fitness following recent injuries, while selectors have opted to use the Pakistan series to test squad depth rather than risk key World Cup players.
Young talent rewarded after Big Bash success
The squad features a number of players who impressed during the Big Bash League, including Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards, both of whom are yet to make their international debuts.
Selectors have also added Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe and Matthew Renshaw as cover options, underlining Australia’s intent to assess multiple combinations before finalising their World Cup plans.
Players still involved in the latter stages of the BBL will link up with the squad once their franchise commitments conclude.
Selectors see Pakistan series as audition window
Australia’s Chair of Selectors George Bailey described the tour as a valuable opportunity for fringe players to gain experience within the World Cup environment.
“The series is a great opportunity for those on the brink of selection and some young players we rate highly to gain valuable experience with the World Cup group in Pakistan,” Bailey said.
“Some are already experienced international players, while Mahli Beardman has been with the group a number of times and Jack Edwards joined the squad for the final ODI against India last year.”
Conditions key ahead of World Cup
With the T20 World Cup set to be staged in India and Sri Lanka, Australia view the Lahore series as a crucial rehearsal. Subcontinental pitches, heat and playing conditions are expected to closely mirror those later in the tournament.
The matches will also give Australia a chance to fine-tune their bowling combinations and middle-order balance before the pressure of a global event.
