Australia may be grappling with indifferent form and the absence of their frontline fast bowlers, but the former champions will still walk in as firm favourites when they open their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland here on Wednesday.

The feared pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, one of the most formidable fast-bowling units in modern cricket will all be missing from the tournament. Cummins and Hazlewood have been ruled out with injuries, while Starc has stepped away from international T20 cricket.

Nathan Ellis is expected to shoulder the responsibility of leading the pace attack, though his own fitness remains under watch after missing the Big Bash League final with a hamstring issue. There is some relief for Australia in the return of experienced leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who has recovered from a groin injury in time for the group stage.

With all four of Australia’s group matches scheduled in Sri Lanka, Zampa’s role will be pivotal. The leg-spinner will look to anchor the spin department alongside Cooper Connolly and Matt Kuhnemann as Australia aim to reclaim the title they last won in 2022, having bowed out in the semifinals to India in the previous edition.

While the bowling unit appears depleted compared to past campaigns, Australia still boast considerable batting firepower and an enviable pool of all-rounders capable of influencing games single-handedly.

Chair of selectors George Bailey had earlier underlined the team’s focus on selecting players best suited to conditions in India and Sri Lanka, even as several squad members arrived with fitness concerns.

The batting core remains largely intact, with Travis Head, captain Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell forming the backbone, supported by Cameron Green, Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis.

Australia, however, enter the tournament on the back of a lean run, having failed to win any of their last five completed matches. They were whitewashed 0–3 in Pakistan with a depleted squad before losing a home T20I series 1–2 to tournament favourites India last year. A convincing start against Ireland could prove vital for their group-stage momentum.

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Ireland, led by Paul Stirling, face a stiff challenge after suffering a 20-run loss to co-hosts Sri Lanka in their Group B opener. While they showed flashes of promise in that contest, a far more complete performance will be required against Australia.

Twelve members of Ireland’s 15-man squad also featured in the previous World Cup, with Tim Tector, Ben Calitz and Matthew Humphreys among the fresh faces. This marks Ireland’s ninth appearance at the marquee event, with their best runs coming in 2009 and 2022 when they reached the second round, famously upsetting former champions West Indies and England.

Those memories could serve as inspiration as Ireland prepares for another daunting test on the world stage.

The match begins at 7:00 pm IST.

(By PTI Inputs)