Cummins, David injured; Marsh to lead: Australia's probable squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Australia's probable squad for T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: @7Cricket/X.com]

Australia head into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with confidence, depth, and just a little uncertainty. The tournament, to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, will test the Aussies in spin-friendly conditions 

But injuries to a few key names mean selection headaches for the team management. That said, Australia still look well-equipped to challenge for the title.

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Mitchell Marsh-Travis Head will continue to open

(Table: Marsh-Head partnership stats in T20Is)

At the heart of Australia’s plans will be Mitchell Marsh, who is expected to captain the side. Alongside him, Travis Head remains one of the most destructive openers in world cricket and is tailor-made for fast starts in T20s.

Together, the duo have been Australia’s most effective and impactful opening pair, and hence, the Aussies will ensure their combination is untouched.

Behind them, Josh Inglis is likely to be the first-choice wicketkeeper, offering flexibility in the top order. 

Tim David is uncertain in the middle order

(Table: Tim David's stats in T20Is in 2025 alone)

The biggest concern is Tim David, Australia’s premier finisher, who is currently sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain and ruled out of the remainder of the Big Bash League. 

While Cricket Australia is optimistic about his recovery before the World Cup, his fitness will be monitored closely.

If he is fit, David will likely bat at no. 4 given his stellar form in 2025. Behind him, Australia will use Mitchell Owen and Marcus Stoinis. Both are great strikers and can dominate middle and death overs.

As for backups, the Aussies can turn to veteran Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short. Maxwell can also bowl, adding depth to the spin bowling lineup.

Pat Cummins likely to miss out, Hazlewood on track of recovery

(Table: Ellis and Zampa's T20I stats in 2025 alone)

As for pace attack, Pat Cummins is battling a back issue, and although he is expected to be named in the provisional squad, his availability will depend on scans closer to the tournament. 

Josh Hazlewood, who was ruled out of the Ashes series with injuries to his hamstring and Achilles, is believed to be on the road back and might lead the fast bowlers.

Given these concerns, Australia is likely to hedge its bets with strong backups.

Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, and Xavier Bartlett are a few pacers who could make the cut. Ellis and Bartlett had great T20 seasons in 2025. Ellis, in particular, has also played in the IPL. So, he has some experience with the subcontinent pitches.

Spin will play a major role in the T20 World Cup 2026, and Adam Zampa remains the lead spinner. He is expected to be supported by Tanveer Sangha, whose leg-spin offers variety, and Cooper Connolly, a left-arm spin all-rounder who may be effective on slower surfaces.

Final thought

Australia may be in a transition phase, but the depth of talent is undeniable. If all their injured key players come back on schedule, they have the mix of power hitters, intelligent spinner options, and veteran fast bowling attacks in their arsenal. 

Even with a few question marks, this Australian team looks ready to adapt and dangerous enough to go deep in the tournament.

Australia's probable squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matt Short, Mitchell Owen, Cooper Connolly, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis

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