Australia’s preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026 have suffered a fresh setback, with power-hitter Tim David sustaining another hamstring injury during a Big Bash League match between Hobart Hurricanes and Perth Scorchers on Friday, December 26.
David was in fine touch at the crease, scoring a brisk 42 off 28 balls, when he appeared to pull up while attempting a second run. Visibly uncomfortable, the batter immediately signalled discomfort and walked off the field following advice from the medical staff.
Tim David’s second hamstring scare raises alarm bells
Speaking after the match, David explained that he felt something while running between the wickets and opted not to push himself further to avoid aggravating the injury.
“I just felt a little bit of something when I was trying to come back for two. It’s not ideal, but I didn’t want to make it worse. I had full faith in the boys to get us home. We’ll wait and see,” David told Channel 7.
The latest setback is particularly concerning as it marks David’s second hamstring issue of the year. Earlier in 2025, he suffered a significant hamstring strain during the IPL, which sidelined him for nearly two months and forced him to miss Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s playoff run. He returned cautiously during Australia’s T20I series against the West Indies but featured in only three of the five matches.
Hobart Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis admitted the injury was a major concern, especially with the World Cup looming.
“You know, I’d be lying if I didn’t say there’s a few of us with one eye on the World Cup as well,” Ellis said. “As a mate, first and foremost, I’m shattered he potentially might miss a few games for the Hurricanes.
“But I’m hopeful we’ll do all the right things and hopefully get him right for the back end of the tournament — and beyond with the Australian colours in the World Cup.”
The Hurricanes have confirmed that David will undergo scans to determine the severity of the injury, with the results expected to clarify how long he may be sidelined.
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. With limited time remaining before the tournament, David’s recovery will be closely monitored.
David’s absence would be a significant blow for Australia. The explosive middle-order batter enjoyed an outstanding 2025 in T20 internationals, scoring 395 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate close to 200, including 36 sixes. With Australia’s middle order still searching for consistency and several players managing fitness concerns, David’s availability remains crucial to their World Cup plans.
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