Australia’s frontline attack have all been rested for the first T20I against England in Perth on Sunday as the selectors continue to juggle their resources ahead of the World Cup.
“We have a World Cup to win and that is what we have got to peak for,” Cummins said after the opening game against West Indies. “There is no point in burning out in these five games. We’ve been over in India for three games as well.
“You might see some people having a rest and in some different roles to make sure we give ourselves the best chance not only for the start of the tournament but the back end if we are there.”
Richardson and Mitchell Marsh, who played as a batter only in the first T20I against West Indies as he returns from an ankle injury, have travelled to Perth on Thursday so will therefore miss the second match in Brisbane on Friday.
The selectors have taken a cautious approach with players ahead of the World Cup, particularly around flying them to and from Perth in quick succession. Stoinis was left in Perth rather than heading to Queensland while Australia’s main bowlers have avoided two lengthy journeys either side of a match day.
“The high-performance team and selectors have planned these matches to ensure our squad get to the World Cup fresh and ready to perform,” national selector George Bailey said.
“Some squad members travelled to Perth early to begin preparations slightly earlier than the main squad and a handful of others will not make the trip to Perth. With some players remaining on the east coast, it provides further opportunity for Nathan Ellis and Daniel Sams who both performed well in India.
“Likewise Mitchell Swepson was a part of last year’s World Cup squad and continues to provide good depth in our T20 spin bowling department.”
“We’re going to keep tinkering with things just to try and make sure that we’ve got all bases covered.”
Australia squad for England in Perth Aaron Finch, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Josh Inglis, Matthew Wade, Daniel Sams, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Ellis, Kane Richardson
Australia squad for England in Canberra Aaron Finch, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Josh Inglis, Matthew Wade, Daniel Sams, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson