Australia announced their 15-man provisional team for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Pacers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and all-rounder Tim David, who are all returning from injuries, are the main attractions.
Later this month, Cummins, who only played in the third Ashes Test in Adelaide due to a back issue, will get a scan that will eventually decide his spot in the final team. Tim David is recovering from a grade-two hamstring injury he sustained during a Big Bash League game on Boxing Day, while Hazlewood missed the Ashes due to Achilles tightness following a hamstring injury.
George Bailey, the selectors’ chair, stated that all three players are progressing well and that he is certain they will be available for the World Cup despite the fitness issues.
Due to the T20 team’s recent success, the panel was able to select a balance of players for the range of conditions that Sri Lanka and India may bring. According to the ICC, he stated, “Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David are tracking well, and we are confident they will be available for the World Cup.”
Since this is a draft squad, the following adjustments may be necessary: George Bailey
Bailey emphasised that the roster announcement is still tentative and might be changed if players don’t pass fitness tests closer to the competition.
“Since this is a preliminary squad, any necessary adjustments will be made prior to the support period,” Bailey continued.
Australia has chosen to attack with a lot of spin in light of the situation in Sri Lanka and India. All-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short are important acquisitions, and Adam Zampa spearheads the spin attack with assistance from Matthew Kuhnemann and Cooper Connolly.
Mitchell Marsh will once again assume leadership responsibilities as captain. Notably, Connolly and Cameron Green make their comebacks after missing the most recent Twenty20 International series against India. Josh Inglis has also been selected as the team’s sole specialist wicketkeeper.
Due to Spencer Johnson’s injury and Mitchell Starc’s departure from Twenty20 Internationals, the team does not have a left-arm fast bowler. Xavier Bartlett, a right-arm seamer, has been chosen instead of Ben Dwarshuis. Those that are left out include Dwarshuis and Mitchell Owen.
Australia’s group stage matches against Ireland, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Oman will take place in Colombo and Pallekele. A different team will be revealed later for the three-match Twenty20 International series against Pakistan, which is set to take place prior to the World Cup.
Australia’s tentative team for the 2026 T20 World Cup
Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Adam Zampa, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis.
Home