Will Australia’s Pace Duo Cummins and Hazlewood Feature in T20 WC Squad?
Synopsis
As Australia gears up for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the inclusion of pace legends Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood hangs in the balance due to injury concerns. Will they make a comeback in time for the tournament? The stakes are high as Australia prepares for their first match against Ireland on February 11.
Key Takeaways
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are key players for Australia, facing injury concerns.
Coach Andrew McDonald is optimistic about their recovery.
Tim David’s injury adds to Australia’s challenges ahead of the T20 World Cup.
The team's first match is against Ireland on February 11.
Australia will prepare with a T20I series in Pakistan in January.
Melbourne, Dec 29 (NationPress) The seasoned pace duo of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are anticipated to be part of Australia’s provisional lineup for the forthcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, despite ongoing injury worries.
Head coach Andrew McDonald indicated that Cummins will undergo another back scan in four weeks, with a definitive decision regarding his participation in the high-profile tournament, starting on February 7, to be made following that assessment.
"Pat will have a scan in about four weeks, which will provide us with clarity on his situation for the World Cup. He will be included in the squad of 15, and then we will know more about his condition," McDonald stated.
Cummins has participated in only one international match since incurring a lumbar stress injury in July. He pushed through his recovery to return for the third Test in Adelaide, where he claimed six wickets, contributing to Australia’s 82-run victory and retention of the Ashes urn.
However, he later withdrew from the remainder of the series to prevent further risks.
Hazlewood, who missed the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles issues, is expected to recover in time. Before his injury, he excelled in the white-ball series against India, making his potential return a significant advantage for Australia.
"Josh is back to bowling and appears to be on track for recovery within the expected timeframes," McDonald confirmed.
Another point of concern is the hard-hitting middle-order batsman Tim David, who recently sustained a hamstring injury while competing for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL. Earlier this year, he was sidelined for two months due to a similar injury, but McDonald is optimistic about the 29-year-old’s fitness for the prestigious 20-over tournament.
"We’re not certain if it’s purely a muscle issue or something with the tendon, which will help establish a recovery timeline. I believe the timeframe will be favorable for TD (Tim David), ensuring he should be available regardless of the injury type," McDonald said.
Australia is set to kick off their T20 World Cup journey against Ireland on February 11. To prepare, they will engage in a three-match T20I series in Pakistan in January.
Point of View
I believe the inclusion of Cummins and Hazlewood in the T20 World Cup squad is pivotal for Australia’s chances. Their experience and skill are invaluable assets, and it’s crucial for the team to navigate their injury situations carefully. The upcoming matches will provide a clearer picture of their readiness.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are affecting Cummins and Hazlewood?
Cummins is dealing with a lumbar stress injury, while Hazlewood has been troubled by hamstring and Achilles injuries.
When does the T20 World Cup start?
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup begins on February 7.
