Australia have announced their squad for the tri-nation T20I series against New Zealand and England. Captain Steven Smith and pacer Mitchell Starc have been rested for the series in a bid to make them fresh for the highly crucial South Africa series.

As a replacement for the energetic left-handed speedster, Ben Dwarshuis has been selected by the Kangaroos. Much akin to Mitchell Starc, Dwarshuis is a left-handed pacer that can generate a lot of pace and has a fan in Australia selector, Mark Waugh.

Dwarshuis, meanwhile, stated his shock at receiving a call directly from Mark Waugh.

“It’s a little bit surreal. I got the call this morning from Mark Waugh letting me know that I had been picked and I was a bit skeptical at first,” Dwarshuis said.

“It was very much out of the blue. Personally I think I’ve been bowling pretty well but it still came as a big shock to get the call from Mark Waugh.”

All the other pacers in the squad are right-handed, which is why the absence of Mitchell Starc could have been felt. Mark Waugh, however, seems to be a big fan of the pacer, believing that his left-handedness will give Australia diversity. 

Waugh believes that Dwarshuis has what it takes to replace Starc.

“He’s put on five or six kilometres in pace, he’s been hovering around the low 140s every game and with the bowling attack you need variety in one-day cricket,” Waugh said.

“And he offers the left-arm variety. All the other bowlers are right-armers.

“With no Mitchell Starc there I think it’s important we have that variety. He can swing the new ball and he’s bowling quick. That’s the reason he got the nod.

“He’s been good for the Sixers, not taking a lot of wickets but with an economy rate of around six.”

The young pacer has seen his speed improve and credits coach Geoff Lawson for it. He claims that his advice helped him add much needed sting to his bowling.

“I’ve managed to pick up an extra yard of pace. I’ve come in with a longer run up,” he said.