Australia is giving its Test stars a break for the T20 series against Pakistan

SYDNEY (AP) — Australia has ruled out its entire first Test team for the upcoming Twenty20 series against Pakistan so it can prepare for a five-Test series against India starting later this month.

In a crowded cricket month, Australia will face Pakistan in three one-day internationals starting November 4, immediately followed by the three-match T20 series starting November 14 in Brisbane.

The third and final T20 will take place in Hobart on November 18, just four days before the first Test against India in Perth.

Only Josh Inglis from the T20 squad is seen as an outside possibility to fill the vacant opening batter slot for the first Test, with Nathan McSweeney and teenager Sam Konstas along with Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft seemingly higher up the shortlist stand.

Pace bowlers Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson have been recalled to the white-ball squad after recovering from injuries.

“This group of players have all represented Australia in T20 cricket, so we look forward to them continuing to enhance their international experience during this series,” chairman of selectors George Bailey said in a written statement on Monday.

“It is particularly encouraging to have Xavier, Spencer and Nathan back in the national team.”

A captain to replace incumbent Mitch Marsh has not yet been named. Inglis, Adam Zampa or Glenn Maxwell are considered the most likely candidates for the captaincy for the three games in Brisbane, Sydney and Hobart.

Pakistan on Sunday named their T20 and ODI squads for their tour of Australia.

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Australian squad: Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

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AP Cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket