Australia banks on experience as fitness clouds hover over key players
Australia is set to name Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David in its provisional squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, despite ongoing injury concerns around all three players. Head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that the trio will be included in the initial 15-man squad ahead of the ICC deadline on January 2, with final calls on fitness to be made closer to the tournament, which begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
Cummins, who has not featured in a T20I since the previous T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, is still recovering from a lumbar stress injury sustained in July. He returned briefly to play the third Test of the Ashes in Adelaide, where he bowled superbly and took six wickets. However, he was immediately withdrawn from the rest of the series to avoid any further risk.
“Pat will have a scan, I think in another four weeks, so that’ll give us the information then on where he’s at for the World Cup,” McDonald said, according to ESPNcricinfo.
“He’ll be named in the squad of 15, and then we’ll get that information as to where he’s at.”
Hazlewood on track after injury layoff
Josh Hazlewood, who missed the entire Ashes due to hamstring and Achilles issues, is showing promising signs of recovery. The 34-year-old pacer had earlier impressed during the T20I series against India, and team management remains optimistic about his readiness for the World Cup.
“Josh is returning to bowl,” McDonald said. “He looks as though he should be right in terms of possible timeframes.”
Hazlewood’s availability would be a major boost for Australia’s bowling attack, particularly with the team likely to rely heavily on its pace unit in subcontinental conditions.
Tim David’s recovery timeline encouraging
Australia’s big-hitting middle-order batter Tim David is also under an injury cloud after suffering a grade two hamstring strain on Boxing Day while playing for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL. The injury has ruled him out of the remainder of the BBL season, but there is confidence he will recover in time.
“I think the timeframe will be kind on TD as well. So he should be available no matter what that injury is,” McDonald said earlier on Monday.
David is considered a vital finisher in Australia’s T20 setup, and with the team’s first match only on February 11 against Ireland, selectors are willing to give him extra time if needed. Their group stage also includes matches against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, giving the team some scheduling flexibility to manage his return.
Final squad decisions to hinge on scans and BBL form
While the trio is expected to be named in the provisional squad, changes are possible before the tournament begins, especially if BBL performances or medical assessments force a rethink. Australia is also set to play a three-match T20I series in Pakistan in late January as final preparation, which could lead to some players missing the BBL finals.
With the T20 World Cup looming, Australia’s selectors appear ready to back their experienced core, even as medical reports and recovery timelines become critical to final selections.
