Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins for Australia. Image Credits: X
Pat Cummins’ dream of playing the T20 World Cup is still very much alive, even though his fitness remains under a cloud. Australia’s Test captain is expected to be named in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with a crucial medical scan in January set to decide whether he can actually take the field.
Cummins has been managing a bone stress issue in his back, which forced him to miss the first two Ashes Tests.
He made a strong comeback in Adelaide, picking up six wickets to help Australia retain the Ashes, before being rested again once the series result was sealed.
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David on track for T20 World Cup 2026
That break has now shifted the focus firmly to the T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February and March.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Pat Cummins will be included in the initial 15-man squad, even though his availability will only be confirmed after another scan just before the tournament begins.
The approach suggests Australia are willing to take a calculated risk on one of their biggest stars.
The news is more positive for Josh Hazlewood and Tim David, who are also racing the clock after hamstring injuries.
"Josh is returning to bowl, so he looks as though he should be right in terms of time frames. Pat will have a scan in another four weeks. So that'll give us the information then on where he's at for the World Cup. He'll be named in the squad of 15, and then we'll get that information as to where he's at," McDonald told reporters.
Josh Hazlewood and Tim David also recovering well
Hazlewood has not played since November but has returned to bowling and is expected to be fit in time.
Tim David, who picked up his injury during a Big Bash League match last week, is also on track to recover.
"But 'Hoff' (Hazlewood) looks good. I think the timeframe will be kind on TD (David) as well, he should be available no matter what that injury is. And then we'll wait on Patty," he added.
David’s fitness is especially important for Australia’s T20 plans. He has been one of their most destructive batters this year, scoring nearly 400 T20 international runs in 2025 at an average close to 50 and a strike rate near 200. Only Mitch Marsh has scored more runs for Australia in the format this year.
Australia likely to announce T20 World Cup squad on New Year
Meanwhile, Australia could announce their T20 World Cup 2026 squad as early as New Year’s Day, with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David all expected to be included.
The team begins their campaign against Ireland in Colombo on February 11, with the final scheduled for March 8.
.jpg?type=mq "List of records broken by Virat Kohli in 2025")
.jpg?type=mq "Debate: Flawed Pitches or Poor technique")
