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Shield good T20 World Cup prep: Swepson

Rob ForsaithAAP
Mitchell Swepson says playing in Queensland's Shield opener will help him at the T20 World Cup.
Camera IconMitchell Swepson says playing in Queensland's Shield opener will help him at the T20 World Cup. Credit: AAP

Mitch Swepson believes juggling red and white balls will be great preparation for a Twenty20 World Cup that looms as arguably the legspinner's biggest test yet.

Interstate border closures and the Indian Premier League mean Australia's 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup won't come together until they assemble in the UAE next month.

Squad members are taking vastly different paths to the event.

Steve Smith and David Warner are among the superstars at the IPL, while captain Aaron Finch and vice-captain Pat Cummins are restricted to training in lockdown.

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Mitch Marsh, one of few players to enhance their reputation during recent T20 series losses in the West Indies and Bangladesh, opted to sit out Sheffield Shield season-opening clash to ensure he does not flirt with formidable white-ball form.

Swepson, one of three tweakers included in the World Cup squad, has no such qualms as he prepares for Queensland's Shield opener against Tasmania that starts in Brisbane on Tuesday.

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"That's the golden question - juggling how much white ball and red ball you do," Swepson said in Brisbane.

"Just feeling the ball come out of the hand, regardless of the colour, is always great for me.

"This Shield game is going to be great prep, personally, for that World Cup. If I get some good overs out here in the middle, that's gold dust.

"The majority of the World Cup prep will have to be done when we arrive ... we're going to have to hit the ground running."

Swepson toured India and Bangladesh with Australia's Test squad in 2017.

The 27-year-old has turned more heads in the past 12 months, playing six T20s for Australia either side of a stint with the Test squad throughout their series against India.

Swepson also snagged 32 Shield wickets at 23.4 from five games in 2020-21, returning from a neck injury to help the Bulls secure the title - and earn immense praise from former chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns.

Swepson is relishing the prospect of testing himself against the world's best at the T20 World Cup, with conditions ensuring the prospect of an XI featuring him, Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar is far from unthinkable.

"It is exciting," he said.

"But just because it spins, it doesn't mean that a spinner is going to have success."

Meanwhile, World Cup squad member Marcus Stoinis is expected to be an enforced omission when Delhi Capitals face Rajasthan Royals on Saturday.

Cricket Australia medicos are still consulting with the IPL franchise, coached by Ricky Ponting, regarding Stoinis' leg injury.

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