Aaron Finch-led Australian team set to hit the ground running in England

The 21-member Australian contingent gathered in Perth before taking a flight to Derby, where they will have to endure several days of isolation. Upon arrival, they are expected to play four inter-squad games in order to gain match-readiness after nearly six months of inactivity aggravated by the pandemic. In contrast to Australia, England have constantly been playing competitive cricket for the last four months. However, Justin Langer believes that an extended squad will allow them to play high-intensity practice matches in the run-up to the series. 

"The reason we're taking 21 is so we can play some good practice games over there. The guys have done plenty of technical work, they're all super-fit so when we arrive in England, we get straight into match practice. That's what we've asked the boys to be ready for, that they can start playing games and, hopefully, because we've got 21 very good players coming with us, we can have some really high-intensity practice games,” Justin Langer was quoted as saying, as reported by Cricket Australia. 

Latest RCB acquisition and Western Australian cricketer, Josh Phillippe, received his maiden call-up to the national side. The series will provide youngsters with an opportunity to press their claims at the highest level. 

Langer feels it would be an enriching experience for the uncapped players to be sharing the dressing room packed with stalwarts. "We'll still be picking our best eleven, that's how it's always worked well in the Australian team. And for some of the younger guys, if they force their way in through performance in the practice games, that would be great. Otherwise, it will just be nice to have them around and give them a feel of what it's like to be inducted into the Australian cricket team,” Langer added. 

England vs Australia - Schedule 

• Friday, 4 September: 1st T20I  at The Ageas Bowl
• Sunday, 6 September: 2nd T20I at the Ageas Bowl 
• Tuesday, 8 September: 3rd T20I at the Ageas Bowl
• Friday 11 September, 1st ODI at Emirates Old Trafford
• Sunday 13 September, 2nd ODI at Emirates Old Trafford
• Wednesday 16 September: 3rd ODI at Emirates Old Trafford 

Australia 21-member squad  

Aaron Finch (captain), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

[Cricket Australia input]