Australia announces T20 squad for Sri Lanka, Pakistan series

• Steve Smith and David Warner to make their much anticipated T20 return.
• Australia to play back-to-back T20 series in late October.

The Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Tuesday their 14-man squad for T20 series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, scheduled to commence in late October.0

Former captain Steve Smith would make his much anticipated return to the game’s shortest format, after more than three years. The world’s leading batsman would share his return alongside David Warner, meanwhile, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins would form the bowling attack.

"It is almost a year to the day until Australia hosts the men's Twenty20 World Cup and we have selected this squad with that in mind," National Selector Trevor Hohns said, quoted Cricket Australia.

The Aussies would be lead by Aaron Finch, whereas, Pat Cummins and wicketkeeper Alex Carey will share the vice-captaincy.

"We have looked to put a squad together that we think can take us through to that tournament. The squad we have selected is quite role specific and we believe it gives us the flexibility to thrive in all match conditions.

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Schedule:

T20 Internationals v Sri Lanka

First T20: October 27, Adelaide Oval

Second T20: October 30, Gabba

Third T20: November 1, MCG

T20 Internationals v Pakistan

First T20: November 3, SCG

Second T20: November 5, Manuka Oval

Third T20: November 8, Perth Stadium