Australia has announced a provisional squad for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, featuring key players Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Both cricketers have faced injury challenges during the Ashes series against England, prompting their inclusion in a squad that leans heavily on spin.
Test captain Pat Cummins participated in only one of the five Ashes Tests due to a lower back injury, while Josh Hazlewood missed out entirely because of an Achilles issue. Cummins is scheduled for another scan later this month to assess his fitness ahead of the tournament, which starts on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Hazlewood, along with power hitter Tim David, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, is expected to be ready for the competition.
Chief selector George Bailey expressed confidence in the fitness of Cummins, Hazlewood, and David, stating, “They are tracking well and we are confident they will be available for the World Cup.” As this is a preliminary squad, adjustments can be made closer to the event if necessary.
The squad has welcomed additional spin options, including left-arm spinners Matt Kuhnemann and Cooper Connolly, complementing the established Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell. Australia’s matches during the group stage will be held in Sri Lanka, where spin-friendly conditions are anticipated.
In a surprising decision, the selectors chose not to include a backup wicketkeeper for Josh Inglis or a left-arm pace bowler to replace Mitchell Starc, who has retired from the T20 format. The fast-bowling lineup, headed by Cummins and Hazlewood, also features Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett, with all-rounders Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis adding depth.
Bailey noted the T20 team’s recent successes, which allowed the selectors to create a balanced squad suited to the diverse playing conditions in Sri Lanka and India. Australia will kick off their World Cup campaign on February 11 in Colombo against Ireland.
Additionally, a separate squad will be announced for a T20 series against Pakistan preceding the tournament.
The preliminary squad consists of 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, and Adam Zampa.