Australia announce squad for T20I series against West Indies

Australia has named a 16-member squad for their upcoming five-match T20I series against the West Indies in the Caribbean, with Mitchell Marsh returning to lead the side. The series is part of Australia’s early preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.

The matches will be played across Jamaica and St Kitts next month, marking a key phase in shaping the squad for next year’s global tournament.

Among the notable inclusions are Mitch Owen and spinner Matt Kuhnemann, who earned call-ups following strong domestic performances. Cameron Green and Cooper Connolly also return after recovering from injuries. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, fresh off an impressive IPL campaign, rejoins the T20I setup after missing the recent series against Pakistan.

However, there was no place for Jake Fraser-McGurk, Marcus Stoinis, and Xavier Bartlett in the squad. Senior players Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Mitchell Starc will miss the T20Is as they return home after the Test series against the West Indies.

Chair of selectors George Bailey stressed the importance of the series in building the right combination ahead of the World Cup.

“We have a busy T20 schedule coming up through this series, followed by three against South Africa and New Zealand and five matches against India at home as we continue to refine and build a squad we think will be the right fit for the World Cup on the subcontinent,” Bailey said.

He added that several players outside the squad could still push for selection through strong performances in the Big Bash League and upcoming international fixtures.

“There are a number of players outside the squad who can still force their way into the mix for those upcoming Indian Series and through the Big Bash (League)," he added. 

Marsh heads into the series in excellent form, having scored 627 runs in the 2025 IPL for Lucknow Super Giants, including his maiden century in the league.

Australia has been in strong T20 form recently, winning 12 of their last 14 matches in the format.

Australia squad for T20I series against West Indies: 

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa