Warner, Cummins and Maxwell among six to opt out of WI and Bangladesh tours

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Six Australian cricketers have opted out of upcoming West Indies and Bangladesh tours which was planned as a part of the preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup. The players to have withdrawn are Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Jyhe Richardson and Kane Richardson.

While, Steven Smith will miss the trips because of an elbow injury, the other six requested not to be considered for the tour for various reasons.

"We are naturally disappointed not to have all players available for the Australian team at this time, however the NSP [national selection panel] respects the decisions of those who have opted out of this tour. Steve Smith was unavailable for selection due to an elbow injury and will now be able to use this time to fully recover ahead of the World Cup and home Ashes series. Steve was disappointed to miss the tour with the decision made on medical grounds," national selector Trevor Hohns said.

"International tours in the time of Covid-19 undoubtedly present many additional challenges for athletes. They also present opportunities for others and, in this case, the chance to push for selection in the Australian men's T20 World Cup squad later this year and beyond. This is a great chance for these players to make a case for the World Cup and all are considered very real prospects of making that tournament by performing well across these tours."

Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, and Marcus Stoinis have withdrawn from the upcoming tours due to a variety of personal reasons, including their time in the IPL and the difficult journey home after the tournament was postponed indefinitely. Daniel Sams had previously ruled himself out of contention.

As a result Wes Agar has earned his maiden call-up in the 18-man squad and Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha will travel as reserves.

Australia will leave for the West Indies on June 28 with the tour including five T20Is and three ODIs. Then, they will travel straight to Bangladesh for five T20Is to be played in between August 2 and 10.