Australia have added uncapped spinner Nikhil Chaudhary to their squad for their upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh.
Chaudhary is yet to play at international level for Australia, but the 30-year-old has impressed at domestic level playing in the Big Bash T20 competition for the Hobart Hurricanes and was recently part of the IPL setup with the Delhi Capitals.
Born in Delhi before moving Down Under at the start of the decade, Chaudhary could become the first Australian men’s player that was born in India to feature at international level in more than 60 years should he earn selection for the three-match series that commences in Chattogram on June 17.
Chaudhary comes into the squad to replace key batter Travis Head and Australia selector Tony Dodemaide is confident the bowling all-rounder can perform well should he win selection.
“Nikhil has been a player of national interest for some time. He was a standby player for this tour, joining the squad at pre-season camps in Brisbane and comes in as a replacement for Travis Head,” Dodemaide said.
“The panel has been impressed by his BBL form, particularly last season, leading to his addition to the squad. He has also been part of the Delhi Capitals setup in this year’s IPL.
“Nikhil will gain invaluable experience in Bangladesh and will be in contention to play his first game for Australia when we sit down to pick a team for the opening T20 fixture here next week.”
Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Nikhil Chaudhary, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Adam Zampa
Series schedule:
First T20I: June 17, Chattogram
Second T20I: June 19, Chattogram
Third T20I: June 21, Chattogram