Australia’s only ICC Men’s T20 World Cup triumph came in 2021, when they defeated New Zealand in the final in Dubai. Five years on, their planning for the 2026 edition is now in full view. With less than six weeks remaining before the tournament begins in India and Sri Lanka, Australia’s selectors have unveiled a provisional 15-man squad that heavily leans on experience, even if it means taking calculated fitness risks.

Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David have all been named despite ongoing fitness concerns, underlining the management’s faith in proven match-winners. Mitchell Marsh will captain the side, while Cameron Green and Cooper Connolly return after missing the recent T20I series against India.

With all of Australia’s group-stage matches scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka, spin has been prioritised. Adam Zampa will lead the spin attack, supported by Matt Kuhnemann, Connolly, and part-time options in Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short. Chairman of selectors George Bailey admitted the panel had the advantage of tailoring the squad to subcontinental conditions, even if a few players remain under medical watch.

“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 if changes need to be made, they will be ahead of the support period.”

Australia gamble with balance and fitness ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

One of the most notable decisions is the absence of a left-arm fast bowler. With Mitchell Starc retired from T20Is and Spencer Johnson sidelined through injury, the selectors chose not to replace that variation, opting instead for right-armer Xavier Bartlett over Ben Dwarshuis. Despite an impressive year across formats, Dwarshuis misses out but remains on standby in case of late fitness setbacks.

The inclusion of Cooper Connolly adds an exciting dimension. The young all-rounder has enjoyed a strong start to the Big Bash League, scoring 170 runs at a strike rate of 166.66 while also picking up five wickets. His ability to contribute with spin without compromising batting depth clearly appealed to the selectors. Connolly was recently signed by Punjab Kings in the IPL.

Australia have also taken a risk by selecting just one specialist wicketkeeper in Josh Inglis. Alex Carey and Josh Philippe were both considered but left out, leaving the squad vulnerable should injuries strike late in the build-up.

Australia begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 11 against Ireland, with all group matches set to be played in Sri Lanka. Prior to the tournament, they will tour Pakistan for a three-match T20I series 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

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