Australia chief selector George Bailey provided a big update on the availability of both Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Both the players are yet to recover fully from their respective injuries and are still undergoing rehabilitation. While Cummins only featured in a single Test of the ongoing Ashes series, Hazlewood was ruled out completely.
Bailey's verdict on Cummins and Hazlewood
Bailey remarked that the two are likely to miss Australia's three-match T20I series against Pakistan that is likely to be played before the T20 World Cup. However, the chief selector is confident that the two will be back in action by the time the T20 World Cup begins from February 7. Hazlewood is currently recovering from an achilles problem while Cummins is managing a lumbar stress injury.
“I don’t think they [Cummins and Hazlewood] will be available for the Pakistan series [three T20Is in January], but I think both should be online [for the World Cup]," Bailey told the media ahead of Sydney Test.
“Patty might be a bit later; that might be a similar sort of situation to Travis Head in the 50-over World Cup, where there is an entry point at some point. Hopefully, we can manage and carry a squad until that point," he added.
David also yet to fully recover
Another player who is currently injured, but has been named in Australia's squad for the T20 World Cup is Tim David. The batter has been ruled out of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season due to a hamstring injury. His participation in the tournament is also subject to fitness. It will be a big blow for the team if any of these three players get ruled out from the competition.
Meanwhile, Australia have already announced their 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup. Mitchell Marsh will be the one leading the team as the Baggy Greens aim to win the tournament for a record third time.
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Australia's squad for 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, Adam Zampa.