Warner in charge as hectic schedule takes toll

DAVID WARNER will captain a depleted Australia squad in the Twenty20 tri-series against England and New Zealand, with Steve Smith among those heading to South Africa for Test preparations.

By agreeing to a schedule which sees the T20 final take place just a day before the Test warm-up in Gauteng, Cricket Australia guaranteed it would not be possible to field a fullstrength side in the TransTasman series.

Warner is the only member of the Test squad named in the T20 group, meaning the likes of Smith, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Tim Paine will not have the chance to seek revenge for England’s victory in the one-day series.

Instead, Australia will field a side heavy on the top performers from this year’s Big Bash.

Tournament top-scorer D’Arcy Short is set for his first international appearance following some devastating knocks for Hobart Hurricanes, and there are also calls for Chris Lynn, Alex Carey, Billy Stanlake and Kane Richardson.

Glenn Maxwell, a conspicuous absentee throughout the ODI campaign, also returns to Australia colours.

Cameron Bancroft has been retained in the Test squad despite a lean Ashes, Jhye Richardson has received a first call-up and Jon Holland a surprise recall.

New Zealand thrashed Pakistan by seven wickets in the first Twenty20 international in Wellington.

Having been whitewashed 5-0 in the one-day international series, any hopes Pakistan would be more competitive in the shorter format were swiftly dashed as they collapsed to 38-6 after being put in.

Babar Azam made 41 from as many deliveries, and tailender Hasan Ali smashed 23 off 12 balls as Pakistan were bowled out for 105 with two balls remaining.

Colin Munro hit an unbeaten 49 off 43 balls as partnerships of 49 with Tom Bruce and Ross Taylor saw the hosts over the line.