Australia has suffered a huge blow as their gun fast bowler Mitchell Starc and all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Marsh have been ruled out with respective injuries for the three-match T20I series against India.
Earlier, Cricket Australia had named a similar squad for the series against India as they had done for the T20 World Cup, except for David Warner. Starc is recovering from a knee injury whereas Mitchell Marsh sustained an ankle injury before the series.
Stoinis, on the other hand, has a side strain and will miss the India tour. All of these three players were part of the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, which Australia won by 2-1. The trio is expected to be fit for the T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by Australia in October-November.
Fast bowler Nathan Ellis, and all-rounders Daniel Sams and Sean Abbott have been named as replacements for the trio.
As Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis are ruled out, Tim David could make his debut for Australia. Aaron Finch, who recently announced his retirement from ODI cricket, will lead the team in the T20I series against India. David Warner has been rested for the series against India.
Australia will play their three T20Is against India at Mohali (September 20), Nagpur (September 23), and Hyderabad (September 25).
Australia, who are the defending champions, will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against New Zealand at the SCG on the 22nd of October.
Updated Australia squad for India T20I series:
Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.
