Australia have confirmed their 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February, with selectors backing several key players currently managing injuries.
Injury Concerns Overcome for Key Trio
The selection panel, led by George Bailey, has included star fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, alongside explosive middle-order hitter Tim David, despite recent fitness setbacks. Cummins has been managing a back issue that saw him rested from the final two Ashes Tests, while Hazlewood has missed the entire series with achilles and hamstring troubles.
Power-hitter Tim David, a specialist in the shortest format, has been included despite suffering a hamstring injury during the Big Bash League (BBL) that has ended his campaign with the Hobart Hurricanes. The team is confident all three will be fit for the global tournament.
Spin-Heavy Squad with a Surprise Pick
The most unexpected inclusion in the squad is left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. Despite having played only four T20 internationals without yet taking a wicket, his selection is a tactical move aimed at the turning pitches expected on the subcontinent. Kuhnemann impressed selectors during the Test tour of Sri Lanka earlier in 2025.
He joins white-ball stalwart Adam Zampa as a frontline spin option in a squad that appears tailored for varied conditions. Chief selector George Bailey stated, "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."
New Faces and Notable Omissions
The squad also features several players in line for their World Cup debuts, including paceman Xavier Bartlett, versatile batsman Matthew Short, and all-rounder Cooper Connolly. Australia begin their campaign against Ireland in Colombo on 11 February.
Notable players who have missed selection include:
- Mitch Owen, hero of last season's BBL final.
- Fit-again fast bowler Sean Abbott.
- Back-up wicketkeeper Josh Philippe.
Philippe's omission means Josh Inglis will be the sole specialist wicketkeeper in the travelling party. The squad will be looking to improve on their performance from the 2024 T20 World Cup, where a shock Super 8 loss to Afghanistan ended their tournament.
Australia's full T20 World Cup squad: Mitchell Marsh (capt), 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.
