(Cricket news) In the inaugural Twenty20 International matchup against South Africa at Kingsmead, Australia will give debuts to opening batsman Matt Short, all-arounder Aaron Hardie, and fast bowler Spencer Johnson. Captain Mitchell Marsh is eager to watch them perform.

In the lead-up to the Cricket World Cup in India, which begins on October 8, the sides will play five One-Day Internationals, the first of three matches to be played at the same Durban location in five days after the game on Wednesday.

Many of the tourists’ players are either injured or unable to participate, which presents many opportunities for fresh talent. Mitchell Marsh believes Short will have a significant impact because he will be Travis Head’s partner at the top of the order. “It’s very exciting, he is coming off an outstanding 12 months for the Strikers and Victoria last year and thoroughly deserves his place,” Marsh said to reporters on Tuesday.

“We are excited to watch him start the batting. I have urged him to continue playing the game without making any changes. In a team full of all-rounders who can contribute with the ball, Josh Inglis will hold the wicketkeeping gloves, though Marsh stressed they will focus on their specialists.

Mitchell reportedly expressed interest in watching Johnson compete against the South Africans at his quick pace. He has great talent. He strokes the ball and bowls in the mid- to upper 140s. Make sure he enjoys it is the only thing I have to say to him.

“Our primary goal right now is to play the way we want to play. Although the team includes several new players, we are certain that everyone can compete internationally. The series will also feature a team from South Africa with a number of new faces, according to Marsh.

“It is not often that you go into an international series not knowing too much about the opposition, but we have done our homework and it is always exciting when young guys debut in international cricket,” the player added.

Team

Matt Short, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (captain), Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.

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