T20 World Cup squad out: Pat Cummins makes comeback as Australia drops star all-rounder
Canberra (The Uttam Hindu): The Australian team for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, was announced on January 1 (Thursday). The selectors have placed special faith in spin bowlers keeping in mind the Asian conditions. The exclusion of Hobart Hurricanes all-rounder Mitchell Owen from the 15-member squad captained by Mitchell Marsh is considered the most surprising decision. Owen has played 13 T20 Internationals in the last six months, but due to the return of Cameron Green and the presence of experienced Marcus Stoinis, he could not find a place in the team.
This time, Australia's team doesn't include any left-arm fast bowlers. Mitchell Starc has already retired from T20 international cricket, while Spencer Johnson is battling a back injury. Therefore, the selectors have named Brisbane Heat fast bowler Xavier Bartlett in place of Ben Dwarshuis.
Cooper Connolly's return to the team was also surprising, as he hadn't played in Australia's previous 12 T20 Internationals. Connolly is a useful spin bowler, and his return is considered crucial given the Asian pitches. Batting all-rounder Matthew Short, spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, and Xavier Bartlett could also make their debuts for Australia in the T20 World Cup.
The fitness of some players remains a concern for the Australian team. Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins will soon undergo a back scan. He returned to the team after the last World Cup. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and batsman Tim David are also recovering from hamstring injuries. However, despite not being fully fit, these three players have been included in the squad.
Australia announces T20 World Cup squad, Pat Cummins returns; star all-rounder left out: According to ICC rules, changes to the team are possible until January 31. In such a situation, Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardie, Alex Carey and Josh Philippe could be in the race for selection again. Josh Inglis is the only wicketkeeper in the team, while Alex Carey and Josh Philippe have not been selected even as backups.
All of Australia's group stage matches will be played in Sri Lanka, where spin bowlers account for 43.5 percent of wickets in T20 Internationals. Furthermore, spinners' average economy rate is approximately 1.25 runs per over lower than fast bowlers. This is why more spin options have been included in the team.
Chairman of the selection committee, George Bailey, stated that the team has been balanced to suit the conditions in Sri Lanka and India. He expressed confidence that Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David will be fully fit by the World Cup.
The Australian squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 is as follows: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa.