Perth Scorchers sensation Cooper Connolly will tour England as part of a newly formed Australian Twenty20 side.
With his first call-up to the national team, the 20-year-old continues his rapid rise, with his achievements already including a crucial knock in his fourth Big Bash League match and a decisive innings on his debut in the Sheffield Shield final last summer.
This happened just days after he committed to the Scorchers for the next three years.
Australia have named a new squad for the T20 and one-day international components of a tour of the United Kingdom in September.
The fast-paced tour includes three ODIs against Scotland, three T20 internationals against England starting September 12, followed by three more 50-over matches starting September 19.
Both sides will be led by Allan Border Medallist Mitch Marsh as Pat Cummins takes a rest.
Connolly is undoubtedly the most surprising addition following Australia’s exit from the World Championship at the Super Eight stage, but Brisbane Heat’s two speedy players Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson have also been added.
The left-handed all-rounder averaged 22.62 per 10 runs last season and took a wicket in every match he bowled.
West Australians Cam Green, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis have also been nominated for the first series of the new World Cup cycle.
Green, Hardie and Inglis will stay with Marsh for the one-day series.
Ashton Agar was not selected after playing two matches at the World Championship last month; Matthew Wade also missed the cut and David Warner has announced his retirement.
WA paceman Lance Morris played in Australia’s most recent ODI series – at home to West Indies earlier this year – and was withdrawn from a planned commitment to Major League Cricket in anticipation of this tour, but was not selected.
“We are particularly excited to offer Cooper his first chance in the T20 team after bringing the likes of Jake (Fraser-McGurk), Spencer, Xavier and Aaron into the team over the last 12 months.
“They are promising candidates who will join the likes of Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis and Josh Inglis in the white-ball setup.”
Matt Short will miss the T20 series due to the birth of his first child, but will play the second series of 50-over matches.
Cricket Australia says Cummins’ break was “pre-planned” and part of a “long-term load management strategy”, while his pace partners Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will face England in three ODIs.
Speaking last week, Connolly said he wanted to become a true cricketer in three formats this season and explained his ultimate goal was to play Tests for Australia.
“I think when you have a kid you dream of wearing baggy green and that’s still the idea,” he said.
“It may take a few years, but I’m just happy to be playing cricket and doing something I love.”