Owen Gets Maiden T20I Call-Up for West Indies Series, Fraser-McGurk Dropped

Mitchell Owen has been picked in Australia’s T20I squad for their upcoming five-match series against the West Indies in July — a massive step up and his first taste of international cricket.

Owen’s selection comes on the back of a sensational BBL season, where he lit up the tournament with two centuries for the Hobart Hurricanes, including a match-winning ton in the final that handed the franchise their first-ever title. That performance alone made a strong case, and with Travis Head sitting out the series and Jake Fraser-McGurk dropped, there’s a real chance Owen could slot in at the top of the order. 

Fraser-McGurk’s omission is one of the bigger talking points. Just a few months ago, he looked like a regular in the making. Now, after missing out on this squad, his international career hits its first major hurdle. 

While Owen’s rise has been electric, it's worth noting that his form outside the BBL hasn’t quite hit the same highs. Stints in the SA20, PSL, and IPL have yielded just 116 runs across 11 innings, with a highest score of 34. Still, the selectors have backed his BBL pedigree, and with the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka on the horizon next year, they clearly see something worth investing in. 

Mitchell Marsh is back as captain, having missed the last T20I series against Pakistan due to paternity leave and Test commitments. His return brings some much-needed experience to a squad that’s been slightly reshuffled. With Head missing this tour, the opening spot is up for grabs. Marsh’s solid run while opening for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL could tempt selectors to pair him with Head when the full-strength squad is available. Josh Inglis, who's had a good run in both international cricket and the IPL, looks nailed on for the No. 3 slot. 

Elsewhere, there have been a few notable omissions. Marcus Stoinis is out, as is young pacer Xavier Bartlett. Stoinis, despite averaging close to 40 at a strike rate of 154 and taking 24 wickets at under 20 in his last 21 T20Is, has not been picked. Aaron Hardie, another all-rounder from Western Australia, gets the nod instead. Cameron Green has made the squad too — though only as a batter, since he’s still recovering and won’t be able to bowl until later this year. 

Australia’s spin department sees some fresh faces as well. Matthew Kuhnemann has been included and could make his T20I debut, joining Adam Zampa as the second specialist spinner. Glenn Maxwell and Cooper Connolly are also part of the squad, hinting at Australia’s clear plans to bolster their spin depth for the spin-friendly conditions in next year’s World Cup. Ashton Agar, who might’ve been a frontrunner, wasn’t available due to another calf injury. 

In the pace department, Josh Hazlewood is the only frontline quick sticking around for the Caribbean series. Despite a packed schedule that included the IPL final and Test duties, Hazlewood stays on while Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are rested. The likes of Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis, and Sean Abbott will all be competing for a place in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, making this tour a high-stakes opportunity. 

Australia's T20I squad for WI series:  

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis (wk), Spencer Johnson, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.