“Mitch has long been a senior player within the white-ball structure, with this an opportunity for him to add to his leadership skills at international level,” national selector George Bailey said. “We look forward to him taking that step in South Africa.”
The trio of new faces in the T20I squad come on the back of impressive form in the BBL last season. Johnson had a breakout season for Brisbane Heat where he stood out operating at the death and then translated that form into the Sheffield Shield with South Australia.
Hardie, who plays for Perth Scorchers, was the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 460 at a strike-rate of 141.10, while Short was only narrowly behind him with 458 striking at 144.47. Short earned an IPL deal with Punjab Kings on the back of his BBL season where he also claimed 11 wickets to be named the player of the season. Hardie has also been included the squad for the ODIs in South Africa and India.
“Aaron, Spencer and Matt have been outstanding in the BBL and identified as potential national players of the future,” Bailey said. “This tour is a great opportunity for all three to demonstrate those skills in a national team environment.
“Aaron has impressed in recent outings for Australia A as well as for the Scorchers while Matt has blossomed with extra responsibility at the top of the order for the Strikers.
“Spencer’s left-arm pace and bounce was highly effective in his first season for the Heat. This trip will be a fantastic experience for all three and the chance to play their first games for their country.”
From those who featured at last year’s T20 World Cup there is no place for Matthew Wade or Kane Richardson, but Bailey said he expected Wade to feature in the series against India which follows the ODI World Cup and the South Africa tour was seen as an opportunity to get some games into Josh Inglis.
Australia T20 squad vs South Africa: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
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