“He offers us that explosive option if we choose to use it”
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Australia have recalled veteran pace bowler Shaun Tait for the upcoming Twenty20 series against India.
Tait has not played international cricket for almost five years, but earned his recall through his strong performances in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL), where he has taken 10 wickets at an average of 24.70.
However, Tait is not the only player making his comeback into the Australian squad as all-rounder Shane Watson and spinner Nathan Lyon have been included as well.
Watson retired from Test cricket last year, but is expected to be a vital asset to Australia during the World Twenty20 in India in March.
With the conditions in India more than likely to be spin-friendly, Australia want to give Lyon some match practice ahead of the major event.
“Shane Watson has earned his recall to Australian colours through a combination of his experience – especially in short-form cricket – the all-round package he offers, and the fact he is bang in form at the moment, having put performances on the board for the Sydney Thunder,” national selector Rod Marsh said. “Shaun Tait returns on the basis that he is the quickest bowler going around in Australia at the moment and he offers us that explosive option if we choose to use it. Like Shane Watson, he is also vastly experienced in Twenty20 cricket.”
Australia have also drafted Chris Lynn, Travis Head, Cameron Boyce and Andrew Tye into their squad after the quartet have all enjoyed a lot of success in the BBL.
“Chris Lynn, Travis Head and (uncapped seamer) Andrew Tye have made irresistible cases for inclusion off the back of individual excellence in the KFC BBL and we are delighted to offer them the opportunity to push their claims for inclusion in the ICC World Twenty20,” Marsh said. “In terms of leg-spin, Cameron Boyce has once again impressed in domestic action and deserves his spot.
“Sadly we could not find places for George Bailey and Mitchell Marsh in the Twenty20 International squad but for both of them, and for others who have missed out on places in that line-up, the door is certainly not closed for selection for the ICC World Twenty20.”
Australia T20 squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Scott Boland, Cameron Boyce, James Faulkner, John Hastings, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Shaun Tait, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson