Western Australian right-hander would have been considered for T20 tri-series if not for shoulder problem
Why Turner missed Australia's T20 squad
An ongoing shoulder problem has prevented in-form Perth Scorchers batsman Ashton Turner from being considered for a second international call-up for the upcoming Gillette T20I Tri-Series.
The omission of Turner from Australia's T20I squad on Monday was an eye-catching decision given his hot batting form for the Scorchers this summer and his solid international debut in the T20I series against Sri Lanka last year.
But a shoulder injury that might require surgery at the end of the season has prevented him from bowling since October and meant he's also been heavily restricted in the field.
And with batting powerhouse Chris Lynn set to play in the T20I series despite also being well below his best in the field due to his recent injury problems, Turner has been overlooked.
"It all has to do with his shoulder," Ashton Agar said on Monday of his Scorchers teammate.
"He can’t really bowl or throw at the moment. I’m sure if he had a fit shoulder and was able to offer that in the field and with the ball then no doubt I’m sure he would have played, but they just can’t risk that at the moment.
"The way he's hitting it at the moment is just incredible. To consistently clear the ropes under that sort of pressure is pretty special."
Despite his injury, Turner is the sixth-highest run-scorer in BBL|07 and has played four match-winning innings in eight games to help Perth secure a home semi-final. The right-hander posted scores of 52no, 45, 70 and 50no at an average strike rate of 183 in those four innings, a run of form that led former teammate Brad Hogg to declare the highly-rated 24-year-old could captain Australia one day.
Instead of Turner, Australia have opted for Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Travis Head to fill the middle order in a powerful batting line-up that is expected to be led by openers David Warner and Aaron Finch as well as in-form left-hander D'Arcy Short.
Of the seven main batting options in the squad, four of them - Stoinis, Short, Head and Maxwell - are genuine bowling options and all apart from Lynn are considered strong fielders as well.
The Brisbane Heat superstar, currently sidelined due to a calf injury, is unable to throw with his dominant left-hand due to recent shoulder problems and has recently worked with baseball coaches to improve his right-handed throwing. The Heat have ensured he's fielded in low intensity positions during the BBL given he's suffered several serious shoulder problems when diving in the field.
But Heat captain Brendon McCullum says Lynn's ability with the bat makes him worth the risk
"Unfortunately at the moment he does have his limitations from a body point of view," McCullum said last month.
"It's just a matter of looking after him and protecting him in the field. He'll win you games with the bat."
Lynn is hopeful of returning from his current calf problem in the Heat's final match of the season, against Melbourne Renegades on Saturday.
Australia will commence the T20 tri-series, which also features England, against New Zealand in Sydney on February 3.
2017-18 International Fixtures
Gillette ODI Series v England
Australia ODI squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Cameron White, Adam Zampa.
England ODI squad: Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
First ODI England won by five wickets at the MCG
Second ODI England won by four wickets at the Gabba
Third ODI England won by 16 runs at the SCG
Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Tickets
Fifth ODI Perth Stadium, January 28. Tickets
Prime Minister's XI
PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Tickets
Gillette T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series
Australia T20 squad: David Warner (c), Aaron Finch (vc), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Travis Head, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, D'Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.
England T20 squad: Eoin Morgan (c), Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, David Willey, Mark Wood.
First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Tickets
Second T20I Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Tickets
Third T20I Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Tickets
Fourth T20I NZ v England, Wellington, February 14
Fifth T20I NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16
Sixth T20I NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18
Final TBC, Eden Park, February 21