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Australia registered a comprehensive win over Ireland in their T20 World Cup 2026 opener but they were missing firepower in their batting order. Mitchell Marsh had a groin injury and Travis Head captained in his stead whereas Tim David is yet to regain full fitness. In the absence of big names, Nathan Ellis starred with an economical four-fer. Ellis is hopeful of David playing the next game but is unsure of his return.
"I hope so. Tim, he's chomping at the bit to get a game, and he's training really well. He's hitting the ball As far as I've seen him hit the ball, he's had six weeks at home, which he doesn't often get to try and get himself fit and strong and get in the gym,” Ellis said.
"So, yeah, he's flying, he's running, fielding. And yeah, as I said, he's hitting the ball miles. So I hope we'd see him in the next game. If not, maybe the game after that. Not sure.”
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Australia’s head-to-head vs Zimbabwe & Sri Lanka
David is crucial to Australia’s chances considering how easily he can clear the fence even against the spinners. Australia's next game is against Zimbabwe on February 13 at Colombo's R.Premadasa Stadium. Zimbabwe's only T20I win against Australia came in the inaugural edition of T20 World Cup. The Ricky Ponting-led side were beaten by five wickets by Prosper Utseya's Zimbabwe.
However, Australian team management would hope that David gets fit for the crucial clash against co-hosts Sri Lanka on February 16 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Australia have won four out of five T20 World Cup encounters against Sri Lanka. Their only defeat came in the 2009 edition when Kumar Sangakkara's Sri Lanka beat them by six wickets.
Smith on standby
David had a phenomenal 2025 playing the T20 format. He sustained a hamstring injury during Hobart Hurricanes’ Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 Boxing Day clash. He hasn’t played a single game since.
Meanwhile, there is a question mark on Marsh’s participation in the tournament. Australian selectors have called in Steve Smith as a standby for Marsh.
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