Australia’s 15-member team announced for T20 World Cup 2026, Captain Marsh

New Delhi: The Australian cricket team has announced its 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. This team will once again be led by Mitchell Marsh. This tournament is going to be organized jointly in India and Sri Lanka.

This competition will start from 2026 and continue till March. Australian selectors have paid special attention to spin bowling as spinners get more help on Asian pitches.

Team Highlights

Along with experienced players, new faces have also been included in the Australian team. There is no left-arm fast bowler in the team now due to Mitchell Starc’s retirement from T20 International cricket. The selectors have included four specialist spinners in the squad, with prominent names like Adam Zampa and Matthew Kuhnemann. Glenn Maxwell provides spin option as an all-rounder.

Selection of some players is surprise

Cooper Connolly’s return to the team is a big surprise. He has been selected in the national team after a long time. At the same time, young players like Matthew Short, Matthew Kuhneman and Xavier Bartlett can get the opportunity to play in the World Cup for the first time.

Impact of injuries and expectations

Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David are injured, but the selectors are expressing full confidence in them. The team management believes that these players will be fit before the tournament. If needed, changes are possible in the team till January 31. Josh Inglis is the lone wicketkeeper, so the lack of backup could be a cause for concern. Selector George Bailey said that this is a preliminary squad and all the key players are recovering well. Before the World Cup, a three-match T20 series will also be played against Pakistan, which will be a good preparation opportunity for the team.

Australia’s entire team

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

Australia’s journey in the group stage

Australia has been placed in Group B, where it includes Oman, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. The team played its first match on 11 February at R.K. Colombo, Colombo. Will play against Ireland at Premadasa Stadium. All the group matches will be played in Sri Lanka, while some of the Super 8 matches are expected to be played in India.