Just weeks before the T20 World Cup 2026, Australia have received worrying news as star finisher Tim David suffered another hamstring injury during the Big Bash League (BBL).
The setback has raised serious concerns about his availability for the upcoming global tournament.
The incident took place on Friday night at Perth Stadium during the BBL clash between Hobart Hurricanes and Perth Scorchers. David, who was batting fluently, pulled up while attempting a second run and collapsed on the field in visible pain. The 29-year-old was forced to retire hurt, cutting short what was shaping up to be an impactful innings.
Injury Strikes During Strong Knock
Tim David had scored 42 runs off just 28 balls before the injury halted his innings. His power-hitting was once again on display, but the hamstring issue brought an abrupt end to his night. After leaving the field, the team confirmed that David would undergo scans to determine the seriousness of the injury.
David later explained that he chose not to continue batting to avoid making the injury worse. Medical reports are now awaited, with team management closely monitoring his recovery.
Tight Schedule Before T20 World Cup
What worries Australia most is the timing of the injury. The T20 World Cup 2026 is set to begin on February 7, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the current BBL season concludes on January 25.
This leaves Tim David with less than two weeks to recover and reach peak fitness, assuming the injury is not severe. With such a short turnaround, selectors and the medical team face a tough challenge in assessing whether he will be match-ready in time.
Old Hamstring Trouble Returns
Hamstring injuries have been a recurring problem for David in 2025. Earlier this year, he suffered a similar issue during the IPL while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). That injury ruled him out of the IPL playoffs, dealing a major blow to the franchise.
Recovery from that setback took nearly two months, prompting Cricket Australia to manage his workload carefully in recent international series. However, the reappearance of the same injury has once again raised alarm bells.
Australia’s Power Finisher at Risk
Tim David is one of Australia’s most destructive finishers in white-ball cricket. With an international average of 36.27 and a strike rate close to 169, his ability to change games in a few overs makes him a crucial asset.
He was recently named Player of the Series for his outstanding performance against South Africa, further underlining his importance. Australia are expected to announce their 15-member World Cup squad early next month, and David’s fitness could significantly influence selection plans.
If ruled out, replacing a power-hitter of his calibre will be a major headache for the team management as Australia prepare for the World Cup challenge.