Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood return as Australia name spin-heavy squad for T20 World Cup 2026

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Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 thinking is now out in the open. With less than six weeks to go before the tournament begins in India and Sri Lanka, the selectors have shown their hand by naming a provisional 15-man squad built around experience, even if that means carrying a few fitness risks.

Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David have all been included despite carrying fitness concerns, exactly as expected. Mitchell Marsh will lead the side, with Cameron Green and Cooper Connolly returning after missing the recent T20I series against India.

There’s a logical call of including spin options, as the tournament is in the subcontinent. Considering all of Australia’s league stage matches will be played in Sri Lanka, it is an obvious call. Adam Zampa will spearhead the attack, backed by Matthew Kuhnemann, Connolly and part-time options in Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short. Chairman of selectors George Bailey said the panel had the luxury of selecting a group suited for India and Sri Lanka, even if some names were under a medical cloud.

“Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David are tracking well and we are confident they will be available for the World Cup,” Bailey said. “This is a preliminary squad so should changes need to be made they will ahead of the support period.“

Australia’s T20 World Cup squad sees a gamble

One of the more striking calls is the absence of a left-arm fast bowler. With Mitchell Starc now retired from T20Is and Spencer Johnson injured, Australia have opted not to replace that angle, preferring right-armer Xavier Bartlett over Ben Dwarshuis. Dwarshuis, despite a strong year across formats, misses out, though he remains on standby if there’s a fitness issue.

The addition of Cooper Connolly is exciting. The young all-rounder has made a powerful start to the BBL, scoring 170 runs at a strike rate of 166.66 and taking five wickets, giving Australia another spin-bowling option without weakening the batting. He was recently signed by the Punjab Kings (PBKS). The selectors have also chosen to go with just one specialist wicketkeeper, Josh Inglis, leaving themselves exposed if injuries strike late. Alex Carey and Josh Philippe were both in contention but omitted.

Australia open their World Cup campaign on February 11 against Ireland, with all group matches scheduled in Sri Lanka. Before that, there is a three-match T20I series in Pakistan in late January.

Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

The post Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood return as Australia name spin-heavy squad for T20 World Cup 2026 appeared first on Inside Sport India.



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