Australia look to Singapore-born ‘overall package’ Tim David in T20 defence
- Tim David, one of the most sought-after players on the global T20 circuit, made his Australian debut last month in India, hitting a maiden half-century off just 25 balls
- The Singapore-born batter played 14 T20 matches for Singapore but was eligible to switch allegiance because he has Australian parents
Australia are banking on a rookie power-hitter born in Singapore to help them defend the Twenty20 World Cup on home turf later this month.
Lanky right-hander Tim David had been knocking on the door with a series of blistering performances on the global T20 circuit, including in the Indian Premier League and England’s T20 Blast.
David has become one of the most sought-after finishers in the game and Australia skipper Aaron Finch said it was a no-brainer to include him in the squad for a home tournament where conditions are expected to favour batsmen.
“The form that he’s been in over the last couple of years has been outstanding,” Finch said of David, 26, whose rise really started last year when he had a breakout season with the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League.
“His power, first and foremost, is really impressive, but he’s the overall package with some handy off-spin overs and good in the field (too).”
David, who stands 1.96m (6ft 5in) tall, played 14 T20s for Singapore but was eligible to switch allegiance because he has Australian parents.
He was in line to feature for Australia earlier this year when Sri Lanka toured for five T20s, but he had already been picked up by Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League when he got the call from chief selector George Bailey.
