Will Cummins, Hazlewood, and David Shine in Australia's T20 WC Squad?
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Synopsis
Australia has announced its provisional 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup, featuring stars like Cummins and Hazlewood, despite injury concerns. Can they make a significant impact? Discover the full squad and insights from the chief selector!
Key Takeaways
- Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are vital players despite injury concerns.
- The T20 squad focuses on a blend of experience and youth.
- Mitchell Marsh will captain the team, aiming for a strong performance.
- Australia faces a challenging group with teams like Sri Lanka and Ireland.
- Coach Bailey expresses optimism about the squad’s readiness.
Melbourne, Jan 1 (NationPress) The duo of pace bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, along with middle-order batsman Tim David, have been included in Australia's initial 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup, despite facing injury challenges.
Cummins has participated in only one international fixture since he experienced a lumbar stress injury in July during the decisive third Ashes Test held in Adelaide. A forthcoming scan on his back later this month will ascertain if he is fit for the tournament.
Hazlewood was sidelined for the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles issues. Meanwhile, David sustained a hamstring injury while competing for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL.
“The T20 team has had a successful run recently, allowing the panel to select a mix of players suited for the various conditions we might encounter in Sri Lanka and India,” stated chief selector George Bailey.
“Cummins, Hazlewood, and David are recovering well, and we are optimistic about their availability for the World Cup. This is a preliminary squad, and should any modifications be necessary, they will be made before the support period,” he added.
Mitchell Marsh will lead the team, which features a spin-heavy composition, including Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann, Cooper Connolly, and all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short. Notably absent from the squad is Mitchell Owen.
Green and Connolly return to the squad after missing the T20 matches against India earlier this summer.
The selection committee also decided against including a left-arm fast bowler, following Mitchell Starc's retirement from the format and Spencer Johnson's injury, resulting in the selection of right-armer Xavier Bartlett over Ben Dwarshuis.
Australia is scheduled to play three T20 internationals in Pakistan in late January as part of their World Cup preparation. The squad for this series is yet to be announced.
In the T20 World Cup, Australia has been placed in Group B alongside Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. Their group stage campaign will kick off against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo.
Australia's squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the balance Australia is attempting to achieve in their T20 World Cup squad. The inclusion of players like Cummins and Hazlewood underscores the team's commitment to leveraging experienced talent, while the adaptability shown in addressing injuries illustrates a strategic approach to competition.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the Australian T20 World Cup squad?
Mitchell Marsh has been appointed as the captain of the Australian T20 World Cup squad.
What injuries are affecting key players in the squad?
Pat Cummins is recovering from a lumbar stress injury, Josh Hazlewood is dealing with hamstring and Achilles injuries, and Tim David has a hamstring injury.
When does Australia start their T20 World Cup campaign?
Australia will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo.
Where will Australia play their T20I matches before the World Cup?
Australia is scheduled to play three T20 internationals in Pakistan in late January as part of their preparation for the World Cup.
Who are notable omissions from the T20 World Cup squad?
Mitchell Owen is the most significant omission from the Australian T20 World Cup squad.
