3 minute read
Justin Langer's side have become the first national sporting team to depart home during the COVID-19 pandemic and will soon start their series against England.
AUSTRALIA'S LIMITED-OVERS TOUR OF ENGLAND
When and where is it?
The series starts at 3am AEST on Saturday with a Twenty20 in Southampton. The rivals play a further two T20s at the same venue (11.15pm AEST on Sept 6 & 3am AEST on Sept 9) before shifting to Manchester for ODIs on Sept 11, 13 and 16.
What is Australia's T20 form like?
Justin Langer's team have lost one of their past 11 games in the shortest format, banking a record four consecutive series wins in the process. They claimed top spot on the International Cricket Council's T20 rankings this year, but risk relinquishing it to world No.2 England if rolled comprehensively during this series.
What will Australia's XI look like in the series opener?
Marnus Labuschagne could potentially make his T20 debut for Australia after scoring a ton in a recent tune-up. Recalled allrounder Marcus Stoinis has also impressed in intra-squad games, but coach Langer is unlikely to break up the opening partnership of Aaron Finch and David Warner. The return of Glenn Maxwell, who hasn't played for Australia since taking a mental-health break last October, is likely to mean at least one change to the incumbent side. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins will lead a potent attack.
Who is in the squad?
Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
What about England?
The hosts have named separate squads for the T20 and ODI sections of the tour. Test skipper Joe Root was notably left out of the T20 squad. 21-year-old opener Tom Banton, who showcased his talent playing for Brisbane in last summer's BBL, excelled recently against Pakistan and looms as a key threat.
What's next?
Australians involved in the Indian Premier League will head straight to the United Arab Emirates at the end of the tour. Everyone else in the touring party will head home, with the Sheffield Shield expected to start next month in an Adelaide Hub.
