Australia to Debut Three Players in Pakistan Series Opener
Australia is set to debut three new players in their first T20I match against Pakistan. Mahli Beardman, Jack Edwards, and Matthew Renshaw will each earn their maiden T20I caps in this exciting opener. This match marks an important occasion for the Australian cricket team as they adapt to injuries within their squad.
Match Details
The series opener takes place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, beginning at 10 PM AEDT (4 PM PKT) on January 29, 2026. This match is part of a three-game series scheduled within four days.
Aussie Squad Overview
- Travis Head (captain)
- Matthew Short
- Cameron Green
- Matthew Renshaw
- Cooper Connolly
- Mitchell Owen
- Josh Philippe
- Jack Edwards
- Xavier Bartlett
- Adam Zampa
- Mahli Beardman
Notably, Mitch Marsh is resting after arriving in the country shortly before the match. The absence of other key players due to injury has opened opportunities for new talents.
Profiles of the Debutants
- Mahli Beardman: The 20-year-old fast bowler starred in Australia’s Under-19 World Cup victory and has consistently bowled over 140 kph in domestic games, taking 13 wickets in 11 matches for the Scorchers.
- Jack Edwards: This allrounder shone in BBL|15 with 19 wickets, the second-most in the competition. He previously made headlines with a One-Day Cup century at just 18 years old.
- Matthew Renshaw: Listed to bat at four, Renshaw had a standout season with the Brisbane Heat, including a maiden BBL century. He has previously represented Australia in Test and ODI formats.
Pakistan Squad
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Salman Ali Agha (captain)
- Fakhar Zaman
- Usman Khan (wicketkeeper)
- Shadab Khan
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Shaheen Afridi
- Salman Ali Mirza
- Abrar Ahmed
As both teams prepare for the World Cup, this series offers a critical platform for players to showcase their skills and versatility. Coincidently, three players also made their debuts in Australia’s last T20I in Lahore back in 2022.
Cap Numbers for Debutants
Beardman will receive Cap No. 114, Edwards Cap No. 115, and Renshaw Cap No. 116. These caps are awarded based on the alphabetical order of the players’ surnames when multiple players debut simultaneously.
This series not only marks the introduction of fresh talent but also emphasizes Australia’s commitment to cultivating new stars in the cricketing landscape as they move forward in their T20 World Cup preparations.
