The Singapore-born hitting prodigy Tim David is the only new face in the Australian squad for this year’s Twenty20 World Cup.
Mitchell Swepson, a leg-spinner, loses out to David’s surprising promotion since the 26-year-old earned it after a string of noteworthy individual performances in domestic cricket.
“Tim continues to establish himself with some quality performances in leagues around the world, earning a place in the squad,” said chairman of selectors George Bailey of the giant middle-order hitter who was raised in Western Australia.
“He is a highly gifted, natural ball striker Tim David who will add extra batting depth to the group which has had a lot of success in T20 cricket.
“We expect him to play a similar role to that he has been playing in the past few years.”
Right-hander David played 14 Twenty20 internationals for Singapore but is eligible to switch allegiance because he has Australian parents.
David’s accomplishments in the Indian Premier League and Australia’s Big Bash League have made him one of the most sought-after finishers in short-form cricket worldwide.
Tim David will be more useful in Australian batting conditions compared to Swepson, who was crucial in Australia’s eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the World Cup final on the United Arab Emirates’ spinning pitches.
Tim David is a player who can win you a world cup – Ricky Ponting
“He’s the sort of player that could actually win you a World Cup,” former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said recently of David.
“I know there are some other great world-quality players in the middle order for Australia, but probably none of them boasts the resume as good as Tim’s over the last two years.”
After being rested for the current ODI series against Zimbabwe and the one against New Zealand the following week, Pat Cummins returns to captain the 15-man squad, and Adam Zampa is back after the birth of his baby.
