Warner, Mitch Marsh and coach Langer to miss SL T20I series

Australia’s T20 World Cup heroes Mitchell Marsh and David Warner will miss the Sri Lanka series

Big Bash star Ben McDermott could be given an extended run at the top of Australia’s T20 batting line-up next month, with star opener David Warner to miss the five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

Fast bowler Jhye Richardson as well as Travis Head and Moises Henriques have also earned recalls to Australia’s 16-player squad having missed last year’s T20 World Cup win in the UAE.

World Cup heroes Warner and Mitchell Marsh will both miss the series ahead of the three-format tour of Pakistan that is scheduled to begin in March, while head coach Justin Langer will also take planned leave ahead of the Pakistan trip.

Assistant coach Andrew McDonald will act as head coach for the Sri Lanka series, which will run from 11-20 February and feature matches in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.

Warner, Marsh and leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson are the three players from the triumphant 15-man World Cup squad not included to face Sri Lanka, with McDermott, Head, Richardson and Henriques the additions to this 16-player group.

The series will also mark the return of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who has been out of action since the first Ashes Test last month due to a side injury.

Australia’s World Cup title will go on the line later this year when they host the tournament in October and November.

“This squad will begin preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup defence at home later this year and includes several players who have an early chance to impress in these five matches against quality opposition,” said selection chair George Bailey.

Australia T20 squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Josh Inglis, Ben McDermott, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

T20 series v Sri Lanka 2022 schedule

February 11: First T20I, SCG

February 13: Second T20I, SCG

February 15: Third T20I, Manuka Oval

February 18: Fourth T20I, MCG

February 20: Fifth T20I, MCG