Mitchell Marsh Returns to Lead Australia in West Indies T20Is

Australia has announced a 16-player squad for their upcoming five-match T20 International series against the West Indies, with Mitchell Marsh set to return as captain. 

The series, to be played in Jamaica and St Kitts next month, forms a key part of Australia’s preparation for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Marsh, who was absent from recent international duties, returns to the leadership role after an impressive 2025 IPL season where he amassed 627 runs for Lucknow Super Giants, including his first century in the tournament.

The squad includes several fresh faces and returning players based on domestic form and fitness. Power-hitter Mitch Owen and left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann have been called up following standout performances at home. All-rounders Cameron Green and Cooper Connolly also make a comeback after recovering from injury setbacks.

Pace bowler Josh Hazlewood, fresh off an IPL title win, is back in the lineup after being rested for Australia’s previous T20I series against Pakistan.

Selectors have opted to rest Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Mitchell Starc, who will return home following the concurrent Test series against the West Indies. Jake Fraser-McGurk, Marcus Stoinis, and Xavier Bartlett were not selected for the tour.

Chair of Selectors George Bailey emphasized the significance of this series in shaping Australia’s World Cup squad. “We have a busy T20 schedule coming up through this series, followed by three against South Africa and New Zealand and five matches against India at home as we continue to refine and build a squad we think will be the right fit for the World Cup on the subcontinent,” Bailey said.

Australia heads into the Caribbean series with strong momentum, having won 12 of their last 14 T20 internationals.