BBL hero in frame for first Aussie cap in Caribbean
Hobart's Big Bash League hero Mitch Owen is on the cusp of a first Australian cap after being selected in the Twenty20 International squad to tour the West Indies.
It comes as Test spinner Matt Kuhnemann earns selection in his first T20I squad and out-of-sorts Jake Fraser-McGurk is dropped from the set-up.
Owen's call-up continues a whirlwind start to the year for the 23-year-old, who powered the Hurricanes to their first BBL title with a century in the final against the Sydney Thunder.
He finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer and earned a maiden call-up to the IPL as Punjab Kings' injury replacement for Glenn Maxwell, though was dismissed for a second-ball duck in his only game.
Owen brings versatility to the 16-player squad, able to open the batting or slot into the middle order for the five matches played across Jamaica and St Kitt's after the three-Test series.
Swashbuckling young gun Fraser-McGurk joins veteran allrounder Marcus Stoinis and paceman Xavier Bartlett in missing the T20 squad for next month's matches.
Fraser-McGurk withdrew from the IPL when it went on hiatus after managing only one score in double figures from six innings with Delhi Capitals.
Chief selector George Bailey suggested all hope was not lost ahead for those who missed selection as Australia prepares for next year's T20 World Cup.
"There are a number of players outside the squad who can till force their way into the mix," he said.
"The connection, role development and combinations we will have as options are growing nicely as we build towards the World Cup."
Kuhnemann's inclusion continues a great calendar year for the tweaker, who was Australia's best bowler in the dominant Test series win over Sri Lanka.
He joins as back-up to Adam Zampa but is a chance for game-time if decks point to needing two front-line spinners.
Multi-format superstars Pat Cummins, Travis Head and Mitch Starc are unavailable for the T20Is, opting to return home after the Test matches.
But allrounders Cameron Green and Cooper Connolly have been included in the squad on return from injury.
AUSTRALIA'S T20 SQUAD FOR WEST INDIES TOUR:
Mitch Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
West Australian
an hour ago
- West Australian
Scott Morrison: Donald Trump's strikes on Iran a necessary measure to achieve peace, not war in Middle East
The recent strike by the United States on Iran's nuclear facilities marks a critical turning point in global security. It is not just a matter for the Middle East or for U.S. foreign policy. It is a test for all nations that rely on the strength and credibility of the international rules-based order and the western alliance for their security, Australia included. Let me be clear, this strike was not an act of provocation. It was a necessary measure, undertaken as a last resort by a President who wants peace, not war. The purpose was clear, to disrupt the capabilities of a brutal authoritarian regime that has openly defied international norms, supported terrorist proxies, and pursued nuclear weapons with increasing brazenness. In times of geopolitical crisis, clarity of purpose and principle is essential. That is why I was compelled to speak out following the U.S. operation. What we have seen instead from the Australian government is a concerning lack of clarity and a reluctance to define where Australia stands when it matters most. It is in times like this when allies look around to see who is with them. For a country like ours, deeply integrated into global economic and security networks, reliant on open trade routes and US led allied deterrence, strategic ambiguity is not a strength. It is a vulnerability. Throughout my time as Prime Minister, I took the view that Australia's interests are best served when we speak plainly and act decisively in defence of our values. That is why we stood firmly with our allies against China's economic coercion. It is why we invested in AUKUS, strengthening our sovereign defence capabilities and deepening our technological integration with the U.S. and UK. it is why we worked so closely with our Indo-Pacific partners through the Quad to uphold regional stability. It is why we stood with Israel against those who sought their annihilation. In this context, the U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear facilities must be understood for what it is: an act of strategic deterrence, grounded in the reality that Iran has long been operating outside the bounds of good faith diplomacy. It is what President Trump meant when he spoke of peace through strength. For years, Iran has methodically violated its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), enriching uranium well beyond civilian thresholds, restricting IAEA inspections, and hardening its facilities in preparation for exactly this kind of confrontation. Attempts to revive the nuclear deal have failed, not because the West abandoned diplomacy, but because Tehran refused to comply with the very terms it had previously accepted. The question facing policymakers in Washington and, indeed, in Canberra is not whether we prefer diplomacy over conflict. Of course we do. It is whether diplomacy alone can halt a regime that has no intention of negotiating in good faith. At a certain point, the cost of inaction outweighs the risk of confrontation. That is precisely where the United States found itself. Given Iran's refusal to cooperate with international monitors and its aggressive posture across the region, including arming Hezbollah, enabling Hamas to commit atrocities on innocent Israelis, supporting Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, the Trump administration concluded that a targeted strike was the only viable option left. Only the US could have taken this step and President Trump should be commended for his courage and leadership, especially by allies. This was not a broad campaign. It was a calibrated operation aimed at degrading the most advanced elements of Iran's nuclear infrastructure specifically, targeting Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow. The objective was not regime change. It was to halt Iran's progression toward nuclear weapons capability and to send a clear message that the West's red lines still mean something. Yet here in Australia, the official response from the government has been muted. No strong statement of support for the United States. That silence is telling. It suggests a reluctance to confront difficult choices and to support our most important ally in the righteousness of the actions that have taken. I believe that such an approach is short-sighted and fundamentally misjudges the nature of the challenge we face. Australia cannot afford to be passive in moments like this. Our voice matters, not just because we are a U.S. ally, but because we are a middle power with global responsibilities. We sit at the intersection of East and West, of advanced democracies and rising developing powers. Our stance sends signals across the region, from Beijing to Moscow, Jakarta to Seoul. We must make the case for resistance against authoritarian arrogance. That doesn't mean we should follow Washington blindly. It means we must be clear, consistent and credible in how we support a global order that has protected our prosperity and security for generations. This is a time for strategic clarity, not importantly, we must ensure our own defences are fit for purpose. AUKUS is not a theoretical construct. It is a practical framework for dealing with the kinds of threats we are now seeing unfold. That means accelerating delivery timelines, investing in sovereign capabilities, and ensuring that deterrence in our own region is not eroded by distraction or delay. The world is entering a more dangerous phase. The era of risk aversion is over. Strategic competitors are testing our resolve, our alliances, and our willingness to act in defence of shared values. The choices we make now will define the kind of world our children inherit. We must choose clarity over confusion. Strength over silence. And principle over passivity. We must know who we stand with. That is the standard Australia has upheld in the past. And it is the standard we must uphold again now Scott Morrison was Australia's 30th Prime Minister.
7NEWS
an hour ago
- 7NEWS
Injury toll sours Western Bulldogs' thumping 79-point win over Richmond as Marcus Bontempelli stars
Marcus Bontempelli has quickly returned to his brilliant best, leading the Western Bulldogs to a 79-point AFL demolition of lowly Richmond. The 21.9 (135) to 8.8 (56) cakewalk on Sunday at Marvel Stadium, coupled with GWS's win over Gold Coast, put the Bulldogs back in the top eight. Their highest score this season also brought an important percentage boost in the jostle for top-eight berths, especially as it follows last week's 72-point win over St Kilda. But the Bulldogs' day out was soured by another calf muscle problem for All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar, and a late hit to Lachlan McNeil, who appeared to be in pain from a shoulder complaint. Ahead of his contract talks ramping up this week, and his 250th-game on Friday night against Sydney, Bontempelli was best afield against the Tigers. The Bulldogs captain racked up 36 possessions — his highest for the season — and kicked three goals, after a hard tag from Marcus Windhager had restricted him to just 14 disposals last weekend against the Saints. About the only thing Bontempelli did wrong all game was an ill-considered attempt at a high mark late in the final quarter. In his third game since returning to the AFL, Treloar was subbed out before half time. The Bulldogs cited calf tightness. He later cut a dejected figure on the bench in what were sad images. Treloar has managed only four matches this season due to persistent calf troubles. Earlier this month, coach Luke Beveridge said the 32-year-old might only be available for three or four games at a time. Fellow Bulldogs James O'Donnell and McNeil also finished the game sore and on the bench. The Bulldogs led from the start and kept Richmond goalless from 20 minutes in the first quarter until six minute into the third. A seven-goal second term for the Bulldogs, when key forward Sam Darcy looked ready to kick a bag, killed off the game after the Tigers had been competitive in the first quarter. The Bulldogs kicked the opening goal of each quarter inside the first couple of minutes, setting the scene for their easy win. While Richmond more than doubled their tally with five goals in the final term, the Bulldogs still outscored them for the quarter. Darcy kicked five goals and at the other end, Richmond key forward Tom Lynch led his team's scoring with three. Veteran Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin also impressed, with 28 possessions, while midfielders Ed Richards, Tom Liberatore and Matt Kennedy shone for the Bulldogs.
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Stringer the super sub as Giants come back to beat Suns
GWS have held on for a seven-point win in a captivating shootout with Gold Coast to reassert their status as genuine finals contenders. Jake Stringer, the substitute on return from a hamstring injury, kicked the match-winning goal at Engie Stadium to set up the 16.10 (106) to 14.15 (99) win on Sunday. The Suns had looked set to cruise to an easy victory after slamming through the opening four goals, but the Giants stayed true to their 'never surrender' attitude. With 22 points the deficit at the final change, Adam Kingsley's men opened the fourth quarter with four straight majors. It was 50-gamer Aaron Cadman's third of the afternoon that launched the Giants ahead for the first time, earning a two-point margin. But a maturing Suns outfit remained determined, and Brayden Fiorini responded to restore the visitors' lead. Substitute Stringer, in his first game since round nine, then proved his quality to restore the advantage for the Giants with a dribbling ball from the right pocket. He later helped seal the deal with another from the opposite pocket in the 28th minute of the quarter. The Giants hold onto their top-eight spot (9-6) with their fifth-straight win over the Suns, their 15th overall since the two expansion clubs' inaugural 2012 season. Sunday's meeting was the first time both the league's youngest teams were in the top eight. Gold Coast, who have yet to make a finals series, have dropped out to ninth (8-5) through three consecutive losses, but have played at least one game less than all the teams above them. "In theory, they're (Gold Coast) sitting third or fourth on the ladder in games in lieu," Kingsley said. "To come away with a victory that maybe didn't look likely halfway through the first quarter, particularly, was quite emotional." Suns coach Damien Hardwick, Kingsley's former mentor, was left "just flat". "We did a lot right throughout the night," Hardwick said. "Unfortunately, when push comes to shove in big games like today, you've got to nail those moments and we just didn't." Suns captain Noah Anderson orchestrated their early dominance, and finished with a game-high 15 score involvements from 42 disposals and seven clearances. He was well supported by Touk Miller (37 disposals, seven clearances, two goals) and Matt Rowell (34, four). Tom Green led the way for the Giants with 30 disposals and 16 clearances, while Lachie Ash had 33 touches. Ash was without his defensive partner Lachie Whitfield, who suffered a concussion in the first quarter. Attempting to salvage a mismeasured kick by teammate Toby Bedford, Whitfield was involved in a side-on collision with Suns forward Ben King. Whitfield was replaced by Stringer in the second quarter. GWS were already without Whitfield's fellow All-Australian backman Sam Taylor (foot). The Suns took advantage of Taylor and Whitfield's absence, slamming through four-straight goals in 16 minutes before the Giants managed their first score - two Jake Riccardi goals - in the opening quarter. Jesse Hogan reduced the deficit for the Giants after Suns defender Mac Andrew mistook a 'play on call' by a teammate and moved off his mark, giving away a 50-metre penalty. Gold Coast took 23 inside-50 entries to 10 to finish with their highest-scoring first quarter of the season, leading 7.6 (48) to 4.1 (25). The Giants lifted in the second term but could only kick two goals to one to reduce the deficit to 13 points. GWS finally came alive when Cadman slotted his second of the afternoon to open the final quarter. GWS have held on for a seven-point win in a captivating shootout with Gold Coast to reassert their status as genuine finals contenders. Jake Stringer, the substitute on return from a hamstring injury, kicked the match-winning goal at Engie Stadium to set up the 16.10 (106) to 14.15 (99) win on Sunday. The Suns had looked set to cruise to an easy victory after slamming through the opening four goals, but the Giants stayed true to their 'never surrender' attitude. With 22 points the deficit at the final change, Adam Kingsley's men opened the fourth quarter with four straight majors. It was 50-gamer Aaron Cadman's third of the afternoon that launched the Giants ahead for the first time, earning a two-point margin. But a maturing Suns outfit remained determined, and Brayden Fiorini responded to restore the visitors' lead. Substitute Stringer, in his first game since round nine, then proved his quality to restore the advantage for the Giants with a dribbling ball from the right pocket. He later helped seal the deal with another from the opposite pocket in the 28th minute of the quarter. The Giants hold onto their top-eight spot (9-6) with their fifth-straight win over the Suns, their 15th overall since the two expansion clubs' inaugural 2012 season. Sunday's meeting was the first time both the league's youngest teams were in the top eight. Gold Coast, who have yet to make a finals series, have dropped out to ninth (8-5) through three consecutive losses, but have played at least one game less than all the teams above them. "In theory, they're (Gold Coast) sitting third or fourth on the ladder in games in lieu," Kingsley said. "To come away with a victory that maybe didn't look likely halfway through the first quarter, particularly, was quite emotional." Suns coach Damien Hardwick, Kingsley's former mentor, was left "just flat". "We did a lot right throughout the night," Hardwick said. "Unfortunately, when push comes to shove in big games like today, you've got to nail those moments and we just didn't." Suns captain Noah Anderson orchestrated their early dominance, and finished with a game-high 15 score involvements from 42 disposals and seven clearances. He was well supported by Touk Miller (37 disposals, seven clearances, two goals) and Matt Rowell (34, four). Tom Green led the way for the Giants with 30 disposals and 16 clearances, while Lachie Ash had 33 touches. Ash was without his defensive partner Lachie Whitfield, who suffered a concussion in the first quarter. Attempting to salvage a mismeasured kick by teammate Toby Bedford, Whitfield was involved in a side-on collision with Suns forward Ben King. Whitfield was replaced by Stringer in the second quarter. GWS were already without Whitfield's fellow All-Australian backman Sam Taylor (foot). The Suns took advantage of Taylor and Whitfield's absence, slamming through four-straight goals in 16 minutes before the Giants managed their first score - two Jake Riccardi goals - in the opening quarter. Jesse Hogan reduced the deficit for the Giants after Suns defender Mac Andrew mistook a 'play on call' by a teammate and moved off his mark, giving away a 50-metre penalty. Gold Coast took 23 inside-50 entries to 10 to finish with their highest-scoring first quarter of the season, leading 7.6 (48) to 4.1 (25). The Giants lifted in the second term but could only kick two goals to one to reduce the deficit to 13 points. GWS finally came alive when Cadman slotted his second of the afternoon to open the final quarter. GWS have held on for a seven-point win in a captivating shootout with Gold Coast to reassert their status as genuine finals contenders. Jake Stringer, the substitute on return from a hamstring injury, kicked the match-winning goal at Engie Stadium to set up the 16.10 (106) to 14.15 (99) win on Sunday. The Suns had looked set to cruise to an easy victory after slamming through the opening four goals, but the Giants stayed true to their 'never surrender' attitude. With 22 points the deficit at the final change, Adam Kingsley's men opened the fourth quarter with four straight majors. It was 50-gamer Aaron Cadman's third of the afternoon that launched the Giants ahead for the first time, earning a two-point margin. But a maturing Suns outfit remained determined, and Brayden Fiorini responded to restore the visitors' lead. Substitute Stringer, in his first game since round nine, then proved his quality to restore the advantage for the Giants with a dribbling ball from the right pocket. He later helped seal the deal with another from the opposite pocket in the 28th minute of the quarter. The Giants hold onto their top-eight spot (9-6) with their fifth-straight win over the Suns, their 15th overall since the two expansion clubs' inaugural 2012 season. Sunday's meeting was the first time both the league's youngest teams were in the top eight. Gold Coast, who have yet to make a finals series, have dropped out to ninth (8-5) through three consecutive losses, but have played at least one game less than all the teams above them. "In theory, they're (Gold Coast) sitting third or fourth on the ladder in games in lieu," Kingsley said. "To come away with a victory that maybe didn't look likely halfway through the first quarter, particularly, was quite emotional." Suns coach Damien Hardwick, Kingsley's former mentor, was left "just flat". "We did a lot right throughout the night," Hardwick said. "Unfortunately, when push comes to shove in big games like today, you've got to nail those moments and we just didn't." Suns captain Noah Anderson orchestrated their early dominance, and finished with a game-high 15 score involvements from 42 disposals and seven clearances. He was well supported by Touk Miller (37 disposals, seven clearances, two goals) and Matt Rowell (34, four). Tom Green led the way for the Giants with 30 disposals and 16 clearances, while Lachie Ash had 33 touches. Ash was without his defensive partner Lachie Whitfield, who suffered a concussion in the first quarter. Attempting to salvage a mismeasured kick by teammate Toby Bedford, Whitfield was involved in a side-on collision with Suns forward Ben King. Whitfield was replaced by Stringer in the second quarter. GWS were already without Whitfield's fellow All-Australian backman Sam Taylor (foot). The Suns took advantage of Taylor and Whitfield's absence, slamming through four-straight goals in 16 minutes before the Giants managed their first score - two Jake Riccardi goals - in the opening quarter. Jesse Hogan reduced the deficit for the Giants after Suns defender Mac Andrew mistook a 'play on call' by a teammate and moved off his mark, giving away a 50-metre penalty. Gold Coast took 23 inside-50 entries to 10 to finish with their highest-scoring first quarter of the season, leading 7.6 (48) to 4.1 (25). The Giants lifted in the second term but could only kick two goals to one to reduce the deficit to 13 points. GWS finally came alive when Cadman slotted his second of the afternoon to open the final quarter.
