Australia are set to name Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David in their provisional squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, despite all three players currently managing injury concerns. The 15-man squad must be submitted before the ICC deadline on January 2, with final decisions to be made closer to the tournament start in February.
Cummins remains the biggest watch, having played only one international match since suffering a lumbar stress injury in July. He made a strong return in the Adelaide Test against England, but selectors opted not to risk him further during the Ashes. The Australian captain is scheduled to undergo another scan on his back in four weeks, which will play a key role in determining his availability for the World Cup. Despite not featuring in a T20 international since the previous World Cup, selectors are confident enough to keep him in the squad for now.
Injury Updates and Selector Confidence
Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Cummins will be named in the provisional squad, with flexibility built into the selection process. The team plans to reassess his fitness after the upcoming scan before making a final call on whether he will take part in the tournament.
Josh Hazlewood is also expected to be available despite missing the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles issues. After returning to bowling, Hazlewood appears on track based on current recovery timelines. His strong performances in the recent T20 series against India have further strengthened his case for selection.
Tim David, meanwhile, has been ruled out of the remainder of the Big Bash League after sustaining a grade two right hamstring strain on Boxing Day while playing for the Hobart Hurricanes. Despite the setback, medical staff believe his recovery window gives him a strong chance of being fit in time for the World Cup. David remains a key part of Australia’s middle-order plans, and selectors are optimistic about his availability.
World Cup Timeline and Squad Flexibility
Australia’s World Cup campaign begins on February 11, with group-stage matches against Ireland and Zimbabwe before facing Sri Lanka on February 16. This schedule provides additional recovery time for players returning from injury, particularly David, if required.
The provisional squad may still change depending on Big Bash League performances or any further injury developments before the final squad deadline. Australia will also play three T20 internationals in Pakistan in late January as part of their preparation, though players involved are expected to miss some or all of the BBL finals due to the overlapping schedule.
Selectors remain confident that naming experienced players early, even with minor injury concerns, gives Australia the best chance to field a strong and balanced squad when the tournament begins.
