cricket australia Have started the new year with a clear statement of intent, officially naming a ‘spin-heavy’ 15-player provisional squad. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026Tournament scheduled to be co-hosted India And Sri Lanka Since this February, the selectors have prioritized depth and versatility of slow bowling to counter the expected turning tracks of the subcontinent.
Mitchell Marsh to lead new-look attack
experienced all-rounder Michelle Marsh Will captain the team while continuing his leadership role in the shortest format. The team features an attractive mix of experienced World Cup winners and new faces ready for the heat of Asian conditions.
Perhaps the most important strategic change is the selection of the four primary spin options. Whereas adam zampa The slow ball remains the undisputed leader of the attack, along with the left-arm spinners. Matthew Kuhnman and youthful feeling cooper connollywith all-rounders glen maxwell And matthew short Also capable of rotating the ball, Australia could potentially have five spin options in their starting eleven.
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David included despite injury concerns
Australian selectors have named in a calculated gamble Pat Cummins, Josh HazlewoodAnd tim david Despite the trio facing a significant fitness crisis, they were included in the 15-man squad. Cummins remains the biggest concern as he is nursing a lumbar strain injury to his back; He is scheduled to undergo an important medical scan later this month to determine whether he can physically cope with the intensity of the tournament.
Meanwhile, veteran fast bowler Hazlewood is struggling with time to recover from a combination of hamstring and Achilles problems which saw him ruled out of the recent Ashes series. High-stakes finisher David is out of the injury list after suffering a grade two hamstring strain during the BBL on Boxing Day. Chief selector George Bailey remains optimistic, saying the group is “tracking well”, but with the ICC deadline for final changes set for January 31, the medical team will be working overtime to ensure these key pillars are ready for the opener against Ireland on February 11.
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miss michelle owen
The announcement was not without controversy. The most notable omission is Michelle OwenWho was the breakout star of the 2025 season. Despite record-breaking BBL campaign, Owen ultimately bows out of comeback cameron green,
Additionally, for the first time in over a decade, the T20 World Cup squad will not include Mitchell StarcFollowing his retirement from the format late last year. The selectors have chosen Kaushal in his place Xavier Bartlett Like traditional left hand replacement ben dwarshuis,
Australia team for T20 World Cup 2026: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnman, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Also read: IPL 2026: SRH may sign 3 players to replace Pat Cummins if he misses out
