Daijiworld Media Network - Canberra
Canberra, Jan 1: Recovering pace trio Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David have been included in Australia’s provisional squad for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, announced on Thursday. With the tournament set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and Australia scheduled to play all their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka, selectors have opted for a spin-heavy combination.
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa will lead the spin attack, supported by Matthew Kuhnemann, Cooper Connolly and all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short, reflecting the conditions expected in the subcontinent.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey said the injured players are progressing well and are expected to be fully fit by the time the tournament begins. “The T20 side has enjoyed a sustained period of success, which has allowed us to select a balanced squad suited to the variety of conditions we expect in Sri Lanka and India,” 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, and changes can be made if required closer to the support period,” he added.
Despite the retirement of Mitchell Starc from the T20 format and injury ruling out Spencer Johnson, Australia have chosen not to include a left-arm pacer, instead opting for Xavier Bartlett to bolster the pace options.
Australia are scheduled to play a three-match T20I series against Pakistan ahead of the World Cup, though the squad for that series is yet to be announced. The five-time champions are placed in Group B alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman.
Australia will open their campaign against Ireland on February 11, followed by Zimbabwe on February 13, with both matches in Colombo. They then move to Kandy to face Sri Lanka on February 16 and Oman on February 20.
Australia provisional squad for 2026 T20 World Cup:
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.