The 'golden oldies' of Australia's Twenty20 squad may likely be replaced by a youth cavalry to rescue their faltering World T20 campaign in Bangladesh, according to a report.
After losing to Pakistan, Australia must beat defending T20 world champions the West Indies, an in-form Indian side and hosts Bangladesh to make the finals and veteran spinner Brad Hogg and batsman Brad Hodge are now under severe pressure for their spots.
According to News.com.au, young all-rounder James Faulkner will make his comeback from knee surgery in the next game against the West Indies on Friday and could potentially edge out Hodge, who was part of a dramatic Australian batting collapse of 7-29 against Pakistan.
The report mentioned that although Faulkner is primarily a bowling all-rounder and it is possible he could play in front of one of the fast bowlers, however, his limited-overs batting form has been impressive given his Ashes performance and so he is seen as a batting finisher much like Hodge.
The report further said that Hogg also could find the axe hovering after he was ineffective with 0-29 off three overs in the opening game and dropped a catch which allowed Umar Akmal to propel Pakistan to a big total.
Young leg-spinner James Muirhead is waiting in the wings and with the sudden need to throw caution to the wind there seems no good reason not to unleash him against the West Indies, the report added.
