All-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been named in the Australia squads for this month’s T20I and ODI series against the Proteas.
Maxwell had taken a brief break from international cricket for mental health improvement.
Batsman Marcus Stoinis, who has enjoyed a superb stretch of form in the ongoing Big Bash League, was not included.
The South African-born Marnus Labuschagne has been retained in the ODI squad, while batsman Matthew Wade has been recalled for the T20Is. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh is in both squads.
‘It is fantastic to have Glenn back in both squads given his brilliant form in the middle order for the Stars along with his results with the ball,’ said national selector Trevor Hohns.
‘Glenn was one of the first picked in the most recent T20 team at the start of the summer, prior to his break from the game.
‘The same can be said for Mitch. He has been in tremendous touch with the bat for the Scorchers since his return from injury and is now back bowling well. His performances warranted inclusion in the area he operates as a powerful middle-order batsman and handy bowler.
‘Matthew is also in red-hot form with the bat. He is a very strong fielder, and a great person to have in any team. He can also substitute as wicketkeeper if required. Marcus is a standby player for each squad and was unlucky to miss out due to the makeup of the current top order. It is terrific to have a backup player of his calibre in such good form.’
South Africa and Australia will contest three T20Is and as many ODIs from 21 February to 7 March.
Australia T20I squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (v-c), Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
Australia ODI squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (v-c), Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
Photo: Gallo Images
