NEW DELHI: Australia enter the latest edition of the T20 World Cup as one of the frontrunners, but their title push will be tested by the absence of several key names who are unavailable due to injury and retirement. The reigning 2021 champions face the task of reshaping their plans without some of their most experienced match-winners.

The Aussies enjoyed an impressive run in T20Is after the 2024 World Cup, winning 17 of their next 21 matches, though that momentum was checked during their recent tour of Pakistan. A 3–0 whitewash at the hands of Pakistan exposed the difficulties of adapting to subcontinental conditions and served as a timely reminder of the challenges awaiting them in Asia.

While Australia's overall record now reads 17 wins from their last 24 T20Is, the bigger concern lies in the makeup of their squad rather than the dip in numbers.

Mitchell Starc's retirement from T20 internationals has left a significant hole in their bowling attack, and regular captain Pat Cummins will also miss the tournament after failing to recover fully from a back injury that has troubled him since July last year.

Australia's concerns could deepen further, with another frontline quick, Josh Hazlewood, also in doubt for the opening stages of the ICC tournament due to an Achilles issue. While replacements such as Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis and Xavier Bartlett are capable performers in their own right, they lack the experience, versatility and intimidation factor associated with the sidelined trio.

The spin unit, by contrast, appears far more settled. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa leads the department, supported by all-round options in Glenn Maxwell, Matt Kuhnemann and Cooper Connolly. However, whether the spinners can shoulder the bulk of Australia's bowling responsibility across a long and demanding campaign remains uncertain, leaving a key question hanging over their title aspirations.

In contrast, Australia's batting looks far more sorted with the irresistible Travis Head leading the unit. But unlike Zampa, Head will have the backing of skipper Mitchell Marsh, Maxwell, Tim David, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis, all adept in the subcontinental conditions courtesy their IPL stints.

However, this strong batting group will have to negate the spinners efficiently, particularly at Pallekele. That alone might have a significant impact on the Aussies' campaign in the tournament.

Smith-sized elephant in the room

Former skipper Steve Smith was in sparkling form in this edition of the Big Bash League (BBL), but the selectors did not pick him, much to the chagrin of many former players and fans.

Matt Renshaw has found a place in the first 15 ahead of Smith. Smith is on the standbys list, and he could come into play at a later stage considering the brittle fitness level of several Australian players.

Even Tim David is carrying a hamstring niggle that he sustained during the BBL.

Tricky group

The Aussies are in Group B that also has Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman and all the league matches will be played across Colombo and Pallekele.

If the just-concluded three-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and England at Pallekele can be used as a yardstick, then spinners and pacers with slower variations ruled the roost.

If that trend continues, then Australia's big-hitters will have a torrid time in the match against Sri Lanka, who parade a capable set of spinners.

Even otherwise, their group mates, barring Oman, can cause a boil-over in favourable conditions.

So, the Aussies will have to dig deep even to advance to the Super Eight. But the 10 ICC trophies at the Cricket Australia headquarters are is a testament to their big stage temperament.

Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

Australia's T20 WC schedule

February 11: Vs Ireland at Colombo

February 13: Vs Zimbabwe at Colombo

February16: Vs Sri Lanka at Pallekele

February 20: Vs Oman at Pallekele.

(With PTI Inputs)