Dunk leads fresh Aussie faces

Two days after compiling the highest score in Australian domestic one-day cricket history, Tasmania's Ben Dunk has been rewarded with selection in Australia's T20 squad to face South Africa next month.

Dunk blasted 229 not out, a knock that eclipsed David Warner's previous domestic record of  197 and featured an incredible 13 sixes and 15 fours at North Sydney Oval on Saturday, and as the only wicketkeeper selected, appears certain to make his debut on November 5 at the Adelaide Oval. 

Queensland power-hitting Nathan Reardon is the other surprise selection in the 13-man squad to be led by new T20 skipper Aaron Finch, with allrounder Shane Watson also set to return from the calf injury that ruled him out of the VB tour of the UAE.

Only four faces remain from the T20 outfit that defeated Pakistan in Dubai earlier this month, with Finch joined by Sean Abbott, Cameron Boyce, James Faulkner and Kane Richardson. Faulkner's selection is subject to his commitments in the UAE.

“While the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 seems a long time away, the nature of short T20 series at international level means every match between now and then is a great opportunity for players to show what they’re capable of against high-quality opposition," said National Selector Rod Marsh on the 13-man squad.

“This series of three matches provides new captain Aaron Finch the opportunity to really work with the T20 squad after commencing his tenure as captain with a win against Pakistan in the one-off T20 a couple of weeks ago.

“The squad itself includes a good blend of youth and experience, providing Aaron with multiple options with both bat and ball.

"We’ve seen some good form in Matador One-Day Cup recently from players such as Cameron White, Nathan Reardon, Ben Dunk and Ben Cutting and they’ve been rewarded for those good performances.

"Shane Watson also returns from injury and we certainly know the destruction he is capable of causing in this format of the game.

"We may also look to add a player to this squad following the naming of the second Test team in the UAE."

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c) (VIC/Renegades), Sean Abbott (NSW/Sixers), Doug Bollinger (NSW/Sixers), Cameron Boyce (QLD/Hurricanes), Patrick Cummins (NSW/Thunder), Ben Cutting (QLD/Heat), Ben Dunk (wk) (TAS/Hurricanes), James Faulkner* (TAS/Stars), Nic Maddinson (NSW/Sixers), Nathan Reardon (QLD/Heat), Kane Richardson (SA/Strikers), Shane Watson (NSW/Heat), Cameron White (VIC/Stars.
*Faulkner selected subject to requirements on the VB Tour of UAE.