Cummins, Hazlewood, Tim David in Australia’s 15-Man Provisional Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup

Melbourne, Jan 2025 : Australia has named pace duo Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, along with middle-order batter Tim David, in its provisional 15-player squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, despite injury concerns surrounding all three players.

Cummins has featured in just one international match since sustaining a lumbar stress injury in July, which limited his participation to the Ashes-clinching third Test in Adelaide. A medical scan later this month will determine whether he is fully fit to take part in the tournament. Hazlewood, meanwhile, missed the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles injuries. David, representing the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL, suffered a hamstring strain, raising doubts over his immediate availability.

Chief selector George Bailey expressed confidence in the trio’s recovery. “The T20 side has enjoyed a long run of recent success, which enabled the panel to choose a balance of players across the variety of conditions Sri Lanka and India may present,” Bailey said. “Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David are tracking well, and we are confident they will be available for the World Cup. This is a preliminary squad, so should changes need to be made, they will be ahead of the support period.”

Mitchell Marsh will lead the squad, which has been selected with a spin-heavy focus. Adam Zampa will be joined by Matthew Kuhnemann, Cooper Connolly, and all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short, providing variety in the bowling attack. Mitchell Owen was the most notable omission from the 15-man squad.

Returning to the squad are Cameron Green and Cooper Connolly, who missed Australia’s recent T20 series against India. The squad also features right-armer Xavier Bartlett, who has been included in the absence of left-arm pacers Mitchell Starc, retired from T20s, and Spencer Johnson, sidelined with injury. Ben Dwarshuis missed out as a result.

As part of their World Cup preparation, Australia is scheduled to play three T20Is in Pakistan in late January, though a squad for the series is yet to be announced.

Australia will compete in Group B alongside Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. The group stage matches will be held in Sri Lanka, beginning with a clash against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo.

Australia Provisional Squad for 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