IPL 2017: The replacement XI

Modified Apr 04, 2017 22:33 IST

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 22: Michael Klinger of Australian celebrates after reaching 50 runs during the International Twenty20 match between Australia and Sri Lanka at Adelaide Oval on February 22, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images) — Klinger has hit a purple patch in the last few years

#10 Nathan Lyon

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Nathan Lyon of the Sixers bowls during the Big Bash League match between the Perth Scorchers and the Sydney Sixers at WACA on January 28, 2017 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) — Lyon helped his side reach the finals of BBL 2017

Lyon was impressive in the recently concluded Test series against India, taking wickets at regular intervals to give Australia a fighting chance in each match. He was also instrumental in Sydney Sixers’ impressive run to the finals of the Big Bash, and is currently touted as the favourite to replace Ashwin in the Rising Pune Supergiant squad.

Lyon would also be looking at impressing the national selectors before the Champions Trophy, given that he is largely considered as a Test-only prospect, despite consistent performances in the Big Bash.

#11 Sean Abbott

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 31: Sean Abbott of the Sydney Sixers celebrates after getting the wicket of Travis Head of the Adelaide Strikers during the Big Bash League match between the Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Sixers at Adelaide Oval on December 31, 2016 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images) — Abbott was sensational for the Sixers in the BBL

Abbott attained worldwide infamy as the player who bowled the ball that ended Phil Hughes’ career. The pacer, who played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the last season, was the highest wicket-taker in this year’s Big Bash by quite a margin, and has been in and out of the Australian T20 squad over the last year.

The right-arm fast bowler can also play effective cameos with the bat, as he showcased in this year’s Big Bash.