NewKerala.com

Cummins, Hazlewood, David Named in Australia's T20 World Cup Squad Despite Injuries

Australia has named a provisional 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, led by captain Mitchell Marsh. The squad includes key pace bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, as well as middle-order hitter Tim David, all of whom are returning from recent injuries. Selectors have opted for a spin-heavy lineup to handle conditions in Sri Lanka and India, with notable omissions including Mitchell Owen. The team will begin their campaign in Group B against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo.

Key Points: Australia's T20 WC Squad: Cummins, Hazlewood, David Included

  • Cummins & Hazlewood return from injury
  • Tim David included despite hamstring issue
  • Mitchell Marsh named captain
  • Spin-heavy squad selected
2 min read

Cummins, Hazlewood, David named in Australia's 15-man T20 WC squad

Australia names provisional T20 World Cup squad with Cummins, Hazlewood, and Tim David included despite injury concerns. Mitchell Marsh to captain.

"Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David are tracking well, and we are confident they will be available for the World Cup. - George Bailey"

Melbourne, Jan 1

Pace duo Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood and middle-order batter Tim David have been named in Australia's provisional 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup despite injury concerns.

Cummins has played just one international match since suffering a lumbar stress injury in July, when he featured in the Ashes-securing third Ashes Test in Adelaide. A scan on Pacer's back later this month will determine whether he will be right for the tournament.

Hazlewood missed the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles injuries. David, meanwhile, injured his hamstring while playing for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL.

"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," chief selector George 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," he added.

Mitchell Marsh captains the group as Australia named a spin-heavy group, with Adam Zampa joined by Matthew Kuhnemann, Cooper Connolly and all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short. Mitchell Owen is the most notable omission from the 15-man squad.

Green and Connolly are back in the squad after missing the T20s against India earlier in the summer.

The side also opted against a left-arm fast bowler, in the absence of Mitchell Starc, who retired from the format, and Spencer Johnson's injury led to the inclusion of right-armer Xavier Bartlett over Ben Dwarshuis.

Australia will play three T20Is in Pakistan in late January as preparation for the World Cup. A squad for the series is yet to be named.

Australia have been drawn in Group B alongside Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. They will play their group stage matches in Sri Lanka, kicking off their campaign against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo.

Australia 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

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting squad. They are going spin-heavy, which makes sense for subcontinent conditions. But no left-arm pacer? That could be a weakness for them on turning tracks. India's batters should target their right-arm pace lineup.
R
Rohit P
Tim David is a serious hitter in the middle order. Our spinners like Bumrah and Kuldeep will have their work cut out against him. But honestly, I think our Indian team on home turf (and Sri Lanka is similar) has a much stronger and more balanced squad. 💪
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I appreciate the transparency from George Bailey. Calling it a "preliminary squad" and being open to changes is smart management. Hope all players recover well, we want to see the best teams compete.
V
Vikram M
Mitchell Owen's omission is surprising! He's been in good form. But Marsh as captain is a good choice, very aggressive. Their group looks easy on paper, but Sri Lanka at home can be tricky. Should be a good warm-up before they potentially face India in the later stages.
K
Karthik V
With all due respect to the Australian selectors, picking players with recent injuries is always a gamble. One bad scan for Cummins and their whole plan changes. Our BCCI and selection committee usually takes a more cautious approach, which I think is better for the players' long-term health.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50