Aussies rest Warner, Khawaja from NZ clash
Sydney: Star batsmen David Warner and Usman Khawaja have been left out Australia’s one- day international series in New Zealand to prepare for the test tour of India. Australia have picked a 14-man squad for the three-match series against the Black Caps, starting at Auckland’s Eden Park on January 30. In-form batsman Shaun Marsh and Aaron Finch return to the ODI set-up having missed selection for the current series against Pakistan. Both have impressed in recent Twenty20 cricket, with Finch the second highest run scorer in the BBL for Melbourne Renegades and Marsh hitting a half century in Perth’s last match against Hobart. Warner will rest in preparation for the first test against India in Pune starting February 23. Khawaja will depart for Australia’s training base in Dubai to brush up his batting technique in Asia on January 30 - about a week earlier than his test teammates who are playing in New Zealand. “With Usman heading to Dubai in the first group of players this provides Shaun with a chance to get back into international cricket following his injury earlier in the summer,” chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said. Marcus Stoinis retains his spot in the squad with Mitch Marsh still nursing a shoulder injury.
Billy Stanlake will not play in Australia’s fifth and final match against Pakistan on January 26 and will instead head to New Zealand a day early. Australia: Steve Smith (capt), Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, James Faulkner, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.