Australia will fine-tune its preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a three-match T20I series against Pakistan in Lahore, starting January 29, with all fixtures scheduled at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The series comes at a time when Australia’s domestic season is reaching its climax, with the Big Bash League (BBL) finals underway. As a result, several players will link up with the national squad only after their respective BBL commitments conclude, as per the International Cricket Council (ICC) website.

Experienced all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been named captain for the tour, leading a squad that blends established internationals with emerging talent. Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Josh Inglis are among the senior players included, all of whom featured in Australia’s recent Ashes series against England.

However, a number of high-profile names will miss the tour. Nathan Ellis, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, and Pat Cummins have not been selected, with Cricket Australia opting to manage workloads and allow additional recovery time ahead of the global tournament. Cummins, Hazlewood, and David are all continuing their return to full fitness following injury setbacks.

In their absence, several players have been drafted in as cover, including Sean Abbott, Mahli Beardman, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, and Matt Renshaw. The selection provides opportunities for fringe players and young prospects to gain experience in subcontinental conditions.

Teenage fast bowler Mahli Beardman and batting all-rounder Jack Edwards have been rewarded for impressive performances in the BBL. While both remain uncapped at the international level, they were part of Australia’s squad during the home series against India earlier in the summer.

Australia’s chair of selectors, George Bailey, said the series would be valuable for players on the cusp of national selection. “The series is a great opportunity for those on the brink of selection and some young players we rate highly to gain valuable experience with the World Cup group in Pakistan,” Bailey said.

“Some are already experienced international players, while Mahli Beardman has been with the group a number of times, and Jack Edwards joined the squad for the last one-day match against India in Sydney last year.”

The three-match series will be played on January 29, January 31, and February 1, providing Australia with crucial match practice in conditions similar to those expected at the T20 World Cup.

Australia squad: Mitch Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.