SYDNEY: Opener David Warner was among four big names who returned Wednesday to Australia’s squad for a two-match Twenty20 series against the West Indies in Queensland next week, with the World Cup on home soil next month.

Warner, who had been rested, was joined by recovered allrounders Mitchell Marsh (ankle) and Marcus Stoinis (side), and paceman Mitchell Starc (knee) after the quartet missed Australia’s series defeat in India.

Australia host the West Indies on the Gold Coast on October 5 and at The Gabba in Brisbane on October 7.

All-rounder Cameron Green has been rewarded for his performances in India and kept his place in a 16-man squad despite not being selected for Australia’s World Cup defence.

Green, who stood in for the rested Warner as skipper Aaron Finch’s opening partner in India and scored two half centuries, as Australia lost the series 2-1.

“We have and are taking a cautious approach with the World Cup on the near horizon,” said national selection panel chair George Bailey.

“To have four key players return gives us the ability to take a conservative path with any minor issues and resolve those well in time for the World Cup.”

World Cup squad members Kane Richardson and Ashton Agar are being rested for the West Indies matches but Bailey expected them to be back for a three-match warm-up series against England the following week.

Australia’s World Cup campaign begins against New Zealand in Sydney on Oct 22.

Squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Daniel Sams, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2022