Australia has announced its squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup to be played in India and Sri Lanka, backing several key players despite injury concerns. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David are all included, even though none of them are fully fit at the moment. The tournament will be held in the month of February.
The biggest surprise in the 15-player squad is left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, who is set for a possible World Cup debut. He has played only four T20 internationals and is yet to take a wicket, with best figures of 0 for 14. His selection is mainly due to expected turning pitches in subcontinent conditions. Adam Zampa is the other frontline spinner in the squad.
Josh Philippe has missed out, leaving Josh Inglis as the only specialist wicketkeeper. Mitch Owen, Sean Abbott, and Philippe were all left out of the squad. Players like Xavier Bartlett, Matt Short, and Cooper Connolly could play World Cup cricket for the first time when Australia starts their campaign against Ireland on 11 February in Colombo.
Cummins has been rested from the final two Ashes Tests due to a back issue. Hazlewood has not played in the Ashes because of Achilles and hamstring problems. Tim David will miss the rest of the BBL season with a hamstring injury but is expected to be fit for the World Cup.
Australia were knocked out at the Super 8 stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup after losing to Afghanistan. A separate squad will be announced for the T20I series against Pakistan before the World Cup.
The Australia squad is 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.
Australia Confirms Injured Stars for 2026 T20 World Cup Squad
Australia have named Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David in their squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 despite all three players currently dealing with injuries. The team will be led by all-rounder Mitchell Marsh.
The T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The tournament begins on February 7, with the final scheduled for March 8.
Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test and ODI captain, is suffering from a lumbar stress reaction. He missed the first two Ashes Tests due to this injury, made a comeback for the third game, and was then sidelined for the final two. Josh Hazlewood has been kept out of the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles issues.
Tim David, the third injured player in the squad, picked up his injury during a Big Bash League match. All three players will need to prove their fitness in the coming weeks. If they fail to do so, they can be replaced before the early February deadline.
Australia have been placed in Group B, along with Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. They will start their campaign against Ireland on February 11, followed by matches against Zimbabwe on February 13, Sri Lanka on February 16, and Oman on February 20. The first two matches will be played in Colombo, while the final two group games will take place in Pallekele. Australia have won the ICC T20 World Cup once before, lifting the trophy in 2021 under the captaincy of Aaron Finch.
FAQs
Q. Where will the 2026 T20 World Cup be held?
A. The 2026 T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, starting on February 7 and ending on March 8.
Q. Who is the captain of the Australian T20 World Cup squad?
A. Mitchell Marsh will lead the team in the T20 World Cup.
Q. Which injured players are included in the Australian squad?
A. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David are included despite current injuries.
Q. When does Australia start their campaign?
A. Australia will face Ireland on February 11 in Colombo.
Q. How many times has Australia won the ICC T20 World Cup?
A. Australia won the T20 World Cup squad once, in 2021, under Aaron Finch.
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