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Aust T20 World Cup squad almost finalised

3 minute read

Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns says Australia's Twenty20 World Cup squad could almost be named this week if needed, such is the settled nature of the XI.

Australian selector TREVOR HOHNS.
Australian selector TREVOR HOHNS. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Uncertainty continues to cloud the Twenty20 World Cup, but the same can't be said of Australia's 15-man squad.

Australia will host the T20 World Cup, the only major tournament they are yet to win, in October-November provided the event is not postponed or cancelled because of COVID-19.

Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns suggested his panel could almost name a World Cup squad this week if needed, having been suitably impressed with Australia's four consecutive T20 series wins.

"The last one or two positions always give us a headache normally. Particularly when you've got a settled line-up that has performed very well over the last 12 months," Hohns told reporters.

"We'd be very close (to finalising a squad). If we had to, we could probably just about nominate it now."

Thursday's elevation of Ashton Agar and Kane Richardson to the national contract list all but confirms they will be part of the World Cup squad.

Marnus Labuschagne, who was also added to the contract list after an impressive Ashes tour and home summer, has spoken of his desire to represent Australia in all three formats.

Hohns described Labuschagne as a revelation, admitting "everyone for a period of time was waiting for the bubble to burst".

But the national selector confirmed Labuschagne would likely run out of time in his bid to be part of Australia's T20 World Cup campaign.

"We don't want to go too far with him yet. He works so hard, he's now playing Test cricket and one-day cricket," Hohns said.

"That's happened in a short period of time. We don't want to overburden but there's no reason why a player like that can't play T20 cricket.

"At the moment it's in his court and we have a pretty good T20 side or squad ... they're the ones we'll be focusing on, looking forward to the World Cup."

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