Owen Joins Australia T20, ODI Squads for South Africa Series

Mitch Owen, a 23-year-old all-rounder, has been rewarded for his impressive debut performances in Twenty20 internationals by being selected in both Australia's T20 and ODI squads for upcoming series against South Africa. Owen, who has yet to play an ODI, scored 125 runs at a strike rate of 192.30 during the recent West Indies T20 series and has quickly become a key player, featuring in T20 franchise leagues globally. With regular ODI captain Pat Cummins resting ahead of the Ashes, Mitchell Marsh leads both squads, while experienced players Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head return. The Australian selectors highlighted the team's batting flexibility and bowling depth as positive signs in their preparation for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year. Other squad changes include the exclusion of Jake Fraser-McGurk and inclusion of players like Lance Morris and Marnus Labuschagne for ODIs. Overall, the selections reflect Australia's strategy to build a versatile and dynamic white-ball team for the upcoming international challenges.