Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are on track to feature in Australia’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with selectors confident both senior pacers will be available despite recent injury concerns.
Cummins made a brief return during the Ashes in Adelaide before being ruled out of the remainder of the series as a precaution. The Australia captain is scheduled to undergo another scan on his back in four weeks, with a final decision on his tournament readiness to be taken once those results are known.
Head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Cummins will still be included in Australia’s 15-man squad, with the medical update expected to provide clarity ahead of the tournament, which begins on February 7.
“Pat will have another scan in about four weeks, which will give us a clearer picture of where he’s at for the World Cup,” McDonald said. “He’ll be named in the squad, and we’ll assess his availability from there.”
Hazlewood’s outlook also appears positive after the fast bowler missed the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles issues. The 34-year-old has resumed bowling and is expected to return within the required timeframe, offering a significant boost to Australia’s pace attack.
“Josh is back bowling now,” McDonald added. “At this stage, the timelines look favourable.”
Australia are also keeping a close eye on the fitness of middle-order power-hitter Tim David, who recently picked up a hamstring injury while playing in the Big Bash League for the Hobart Hurricanes. While the injury ruled him out for the remainder of the BBL, the team remains optimistic about his recovery.
David had missed two months earlier this year with a similar issue, but Australia’s medical staff believe he will be fit in time for the T20 World Cup.
“We’re waiting on final details, but the timeframe should be kind,” McDonald said. “No matter what the injury shows, he should be available.”
Australia begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 11. As part of their preparations, the reigning champions will tour Pakistan in January for a three-match T20I series, which is expected to play a key role in finalising their squad and combinations.
