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Fraser-McGurk To Open, Surprise Pacer To Challenge Babar; Australia's Strongest XI For Pakistan T20Is

Debashis Sarangi

Fraser-McGurk and Bartlett will be Australia's key players [Source: @FoxCricket/X]Fraser-McGurk and Bartlett will be Australia's key players [Source: @FoxCricket/X]

Earlier today, Cricket Australia (CA) announced a robust 13-man squad for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan. The hosts have rested several key players, including Travis Head, and are set to field a relatively young side in the series. As the mighty Aussies gear up for a high-voltage contest, let's see what their strongest playing XI could be against Mohammad Rizwan's men in the series. 

Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Short And Aaron Hardie To Form Australia's Top Order

In Travis Head's absence, Jake Fraser-McGurk will open the batting alongside Matthew Short. While Short is expected to extend his impressive run in white-ball cricket, it's a golden opportunity for Fraser-McGurk to showcase his mettle and cement his place in the side. 

Seam bowling all-rounder Aaron Hardie, who plays at number three in the Big Bash League, will likely bat one down in the series. Meanwhile, Australia's in-form batter Josh Inglis will follow Hardie at number four, besides keeping the wickets. 

Glenn Maxwell, Stoinis And Tim David To Torment Pakistan In Death Overs

Veteran all-round duo of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis will spearhead Australia's finishing department. Apart from ensuring fitting finishes for the hosts, Maxwell and Stoinis can chip in with a few overs in the middle overs. Swashbuckling batter Tim David will likely be Australia's number seven and assist these two players in the slog overs. 

Surprise Package Xavier Bartlett To Lead Australia's Bowling Unit

Promising fast bowler Xavier Bartlett can move the new ball both ways up front in the powerplay. In all likelihood, he will play as Australia's new ball specialist alongside Sean Abbott. Hailed for his incredible death bowling skills, Nathan Ellis could be Australia's third seamer in the Pakistan T20Is. Meanwhile, veteran bowler Adam Zampa will be Australia's wrecker-in-chief in the middle overs with his wily leg-spin. 

Australia's Strongest XI For Pakistan T20Is

Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Short, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis