MELBOURNE: Australia have dropped batsman George Bailey and all-rounder James Faulkner for their opening match of the ongoing tri-nation series against West Indies to be held at the Providence Stadium in Guyana today.
Meanwhile, David Warner, Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja have all been named in the squad to face the Caribbean side, with skipper Steve Smith to bat at No. 4, news.com.au reported.
Australia has also picked up an extra specialist bowler, with Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon have all been called in the 12-man squad. Australia, however, are yet to announce their Playing XI.
Commenting on the West Indies’ tour, Smith admitted that spin is going to play a big part in the series and, therefore, called on his batsmen to play the opposition’s spinners well in order to claim victory.
The 10-day tri-nation ODI series, which also features South Africa, is being played as a day-night accord.
Australia’s 12-man outfit for the opening match against West Indies is as follows:
David Warner, Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (captain), Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Marsh, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon.