PAK vs AUS: Australia announce XI for first T20I against Pakistan; Travis Head named captain
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Australia will be captained by Travis Head in the absence of Mitchell Marsh in the first PAK vs AUS T20I.
Travis Head set to lead the side in the absence of regular captain Mitchell Marsh. Australia have announced a fresh-looking playing XI for the opening T20I against Pakistan in Lahore on Thursday. The match marks the start of Australia’s white-ball tour of Pakistan as preparations intensify ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Marsh, along with wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, has been rested for the series opener after both players featured in Sunday’s Big Bash League (BBL) final at the Perth Stadium. The duo arrived in the subcontinent only on Wednesday following Perth Scorchers’ record-extending sixth BBL title triumph, prompting team management to prioritise recovery and workload management.
PAK vs AUS: Australia hand T20I debuts to Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards
In Marsh’s absence, Head will step in as Australia’s stand-in captain — only the second time he has led the national side in T20 internationals. His previous captaincy appearance came during a T20I against England in Cardiff in 2024. The responsibility adds another chapter to Head’s growing leadership credentials in white-ball cricket.
Josh Philippe will don the wicketkeeping gloves in Inglis’ absence, while the batting order sees a blend of experience and emerging talent. Matt Renshaw is set to play his first T20I for Australia, having previously represented the country in Tests and ODIs. His inclusion adds left-handed depth and versatility to the middle order.
The series opener will also see two T20I debuts, with Western Australia fast bowler Mahli Beardman and New South Wales all-rounder Jack Edwards earning their maiden international caps. Both players have impressed in domestic cricket and are being closely monitored as potential long-term white-ball options.
Several senior players will miss the series due to injury or workload management. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis remain sidelined with injuries, while Glenn Maxwell has been rested as Australia look to keep him fresh for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins next week.
Australia’s selected XI reflects a balance between experimentation and stability as they aim to build momentum against Pakistan in challenging subcontinental conditions.
Australia Playing XI for first PAK vs AUS T20I
Travis Head (C), Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (WK), Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman
Why is Travis Head captaining Australia in the first T20I against Pakistan?
Travis Head is leading the side as regular captain Mitchell Marsh has been rested after the BBL final.
Which players are making their T20I debuts for Australia?
Fast bowler Mahli Beardman and all-rounder Jack Edwards will make their T20 international debuts.
Who will keep wickets for Australia in Josh Inglis’ absence?
Josh Philippe has been named as Australia’s wicketkeeper for the first T20I.
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Vishwajit Sawant is a sports content writer with two years of experience who believes in writing that feels honest, simple, and easy to read. He enjoys breaking down sporting moments into stories readers can genuinely connect with, without relying on fancy vocabulary. His work spans cricket, football, basketball, tennis, and Formula 1, with a focus on match previews, reviews, and reports. Vishwajit believes good content doesn’t need to be loud — it just needs to leave a subtle impact.