Josh Hazlewood Excluded from T20I Series Against West Indies, Young Talents to Shine

In a strategic move, Australia's star bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies to rest after a rigorous Test series. This decision allows young talents Jake Fraser-McGurk and Xavier Bartlett to step in and demonstrate their abilities on the international stage. With both players having performed well in domestic leagues, they have a prime opportunity to secure their places in the national team for future white-ball matches. The updated squad is set to face the West Indies, featuring a mix of experienced players and fresh talent.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 12, 2025, 12:29 IST

Hazlewood's Absence from T20I Series

Australia's leading fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood, will not participate in the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies. The decision was made by the team management to allow him some rest after a demanding Test series. This break aims to ensure he is fit and ready for the white-ball series against South Africa scheduled for next month.

Managing Player Workload

At 33 years old, Hazlewood has recently played a significant number of Test matches, prompting selectors to manage his workload carefully. The team is implementing a rotation strategy to minimize injury risks and keep players available for future matches. His absence opens the door for younger players to showcase their skills and earn a spot in the squad.

Emerging Players Join the Squad

Jake Fraser-McGurk and Xavier Bartlett have been called up as replacements. Both have shown impressive performances in domestic cricket and recent franchise tournaments. Fraser-McGurk, known for his aggressive batting style, made his T20I debut in September last year and has played seven matches, achieving a personal best of 50 runs. His explosive starts have caught the attention of many fans.

Bartlett will fill the gap left by Hazlewood and Spencer Johnson, who is currently sidelined due to a back injury. As a young left-arm fast bowler, Bartlett has already taken 22 wickets in just nine international appearances, including a remarkable four wickets on his debut at the MCG.

Opportunity for Young Talent

Both Fraser-McGurk and Bartlett previously played for the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket. This series marks their return to the Australian team since last November, presenting a significant opportunity for them to solidify their positions in the regular white-ball squad.

Australia's Updated T20 Squad vs West Indies

The updated squad for the T20I series includes: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshius, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Matthew Short, and Adam Zampa.