Australia name new T20 squad, leaders

[Hogg]

Hard-hitting batsman Aaron Finch has been appointed captain of Australia's T20 side for the upcoming three-match series against Pakistan in the UAE.

Mitch Marsh and Alex Carey have been named joint vice-captains, while Chris Lynn has also been selected for the series starting in Abu Dhabi on October 24.

The 14-player squad features uncapped Tasmanian batsman Ben McDermott and welcomes back South Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa and Warriors quick Nathan Coulter-Nile. 

Squad: Aaron Finch (c), Mitch Marsh (vc), Alex Carey (vc), Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Darcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Mitch Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa. 

Finch is the No.1 T20 batsman in the world and is part of a leadership trio that mirrors the Test team. 

Queenslander Lynn has recovered from a shoulder complaint and has been in red-hot form in the ongoing JLT One-Day Cup.

The dynamic batsman, who is best known for his exploits in the T20 arena, has hammered 437 runs from six innings at an average of 87.40 in the 50-over competition.

McDermott has played 19 T20s in the KFC Big Bash League and boasts a strike rate of 145.78 and an average of 34.60.

The 23-year-old shot to prominence in January last year when he hammered a match-winning 114 from 52 balls as Hobart Hurricanes defeated Melbourne Renegades, and has posted two centuries for the Tigers in the JLT Cup. 

Coach Justin Langer said the new captain and vice-captains were part of the same selection process used to identify the leaders of the Men's Test team.

"Firstly, I’d like to acknowledge Aaron, Mitch and Alex on being announced as the new captain and vice-captains of the Australian T20 squad," Langer said.

"They are outstanding young men and extremely talented cricketers. To be endorsed by their peers, and to then back it up with powerful presentations, just showcased their leadership qualities and vision for Australian cricket.

"Aaron has already captained Australia in the recent T20s we played in Zimbabwe, and I’ve been extremely impressed with his impact on the Test squad over here in the UAE. We know he’s an exceptional player, and he’s arguably the most in form T20 player in the world at the moment.

"As we outlined when he was selected as joint Test vice-captain last week, Mitch has experience captaining Australia A and WA, and he’s an extremely popular member of the team. He’s a very talented and humble young man who leads through his actions and shows genuine care for his teammates.