Warner to lead Australia in T20 tri-series

MELBOURNE: David Warner will lead Australia in next month’s Twenty20 international tri-series against New Zealand and England as regular captain Steve Smith is given a break ahead of the crucial Test tour to South Africa.Opening batsman Warner, the Test vice-captain, steps up to lead Australia in the T20 games which come a few weeks before the four-Test series in South Africa.

“The South African series is a very important one and we have made no secret of our desire to improve our record away from home,” chief selector Trevor Hohns said on Monday. There will be no other Test players in the T20 series and Glenn Maxwell returns to Australia’s side after being passed over for the current one-day internationals against England. Selected in the T20 squad for the first time are Sydney Sixers fast-bowler Ben Dwarshuis, Adelaide Strikers wicket-keeper Alex Carey and Hobart Hurricanes D’Arcy Short. Alex has impressed in every form he has played this year. He has been in great form in the BBL with both bat and gloves and stood up to the challenge when he had to take the gloves for an ill Tim Paine in the ODI team. Chris Lynn has also been included in the squad and is tracking well in his return from a calf injury. Australia play New Zealand and England from February 3-21.

Australia squad: David Warner (capt), Aaron Finch, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Travis Head, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.