A Shaw thing: Young gun receives call up to Australian squad

New South Welshman Lachlan Shaw has emerged as a bolter for the national side, having been added to Australia's T20 squad for their upcoming five-game series against England.

The 23-year-old had his name thrust into cricket discourse in recent weeks after he was named captain of NSW for both one-day and first-class matches in Nic Maddinson's Test absence.

The precocious right-hand wicketkeeper-batter has been brought into the squad along with fellow gloveman Sam Harper, while Josh Inglis will skip the series in preparation for Australia's upcoming four-Test series against New Zealand starting in December.

"Lachie Shaw is a highly talented cricketer we also think will develop quickly and has a powerful game that will impact in the T20 format," Australian selector George Bailey said. 

Shaw will be part of an Australian side that is filled with exciting, young, next generation-style talent with the likes of Mahli Beardman, Joel Davies, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Mitch Owen accompanying him.

The northern Sydney product has featured in matches for Australia A and Australia's Under-19s, having also been part of the NSW set up since November 2024. 

He has made five half-centuries from nine first-class matches, while his best performance with the willow came in 2025 when he belted 80 off 67 balls in a one-day fixture against Victoria.

Leading into the domestic season, Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon spoke of Shaw's leadership potential and qualities.

"Lachlan has established himself as an important member of the side through his calm approach and strong game awareness. He's more than equipped to lead in the 50-over format, and we're excited to see him grow in the role," Germon said.

Shaw got his Big Bash break in KFC BBL|14 for the Sydney Sixers, when he joined as a local replacement player for superstar Steve Smith.

The then-21-year-old hit 32 against Adelaide before striking 33no against eventual champions Hobart Hurricanes.

The middle-order batter has had a 'nearly' season to start the summer, scoring 61 in a Shield match against Western Australia and 44 in a one-day fixture, before top-scoring with 45 for NSW in their disappointing innings defeat to Tasmania.

Australia v England ODI & T20I Series 2026

First ODI: November 13, Perth Stadium, 2:30pm AEDT (D/N)

Second ODI: November 15, Adelaide Oval, 2:30pm AEDT (D/N)

Third ODI: November 18, Bellerive Oval, Hobart, 2:30pm AEDT (D/N)

Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Ollie Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Liam Scott, Adam Zampa.

England squad: Harry Brook (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, Henry Crocombe, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Josh Tongue

First T20I: November 21, MCG, 7:15pm AEDT

Second T20I: November 24, Gold Coast Stadium, 7:15pm AEDT

Third T20I: November 27, The Gabba, 7:15pm AEDT

Fourth T20I: November 29, SCG, 7:15pm AEDT

Fifth T20I: December 2, Manuka Oval, 7:15pm AEDT

Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Joel Davies, Jack Edwards, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Spencer Johnson, Mitch Owen, Lachlan Shaw, Adam Zampa

England squad: Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, James Coles, Jordan Cox, Henry Crocombe, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Aneurin Donald, Eddie Jack, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Thomas Rew, Phil Salt, Luke Wood.