Australia is hopeful that its two major players, Pat Cummins and Tim David, who are currently managing injuries, will be fit in time to play at the 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7. Cummins and David are included in Australia’s 15-member T20 World Cup squad for the marquee event. However, their participation may be managed carefully depending on match fitness.
What are Australia’s plans for Pat Cummins?
Pat Cummins, a veteran and key player in Australia’s bowling lineup, is recovering from a back (lumbar) issue and workload management after the Ashes. He played only one Test match in Adelaide. The chair of selectors, George Bailey, recently confirmed that Cummins is being closely monitored, and they hope a scheduled scan in late January will bring positive news on his ability to take part in the upcoming T20 WC. Australia team management is likely to manage his entry into the tournament—possibly delaying his first appearance until later stages—to ensure he can contribute when most needed, as they did with injured Travis Head during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
What’s the injury update on Tim David?
Tim David, known for his powerful finishing in the batting order, is going to play a crucial role for his side. The 29-year-old cricketer is sidelined with a grade-two hamstring strain sustained in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL). Despite being ruled out of the remainder of the BBL season, he is still considered likely to be ready for the tournament after focused rehabilitation. On the availability of Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and David, the chair of selectors, said (via ESPNcricinfo) –
“The T20 side has enjoyed a long run of recent success, which enabled the panel to choose a balance of players across the variety of conditions Sri Lanka and India may present. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David are tracking well, and we are confident they will be available for the World Cup. This is a preliminary squad, so should changes need to be made, they will be ahead of the support period.”
While the headline focus has been on Cummins and David, star pacer Josh Hazlewood is also recovering from hamstring and Achilles injuries. The right-arm fast bowler is also being managed with the T20 WC in mind and is expected to be match-ready for at least part of the tournament.
Take a look at Australia’s provisional squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup:
Mitchell Marsh (C), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.
