Australia’s plans for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 have been thrown into disarray, with the head coach, Andrew McDonald, suggesting a major strategic transition could place the spots of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David in jeopardy.
However, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David are expected to be named in Australia’s provisional 15-man squad ahead of the January 2 ICC deadline, but the injury clouds and long-term team-building strategies mean their participation is far from guaranteed.
Australia coach’s Strategic Bombshell for ICC T20 World Cup 2026
McDonald has openly talked about the “natural evolution” and the need to “build a new core” for the 2026 campaign. Yet, the Australian coach believes in backing experience and proven match-winners when it matters most.
He confirmed that Cummins, Hazlewood, and David will be named in Australia’s provisional squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 despite their injury concerns. McDonald stressed that the final call on their availability will be taken according to the situation.
McDonald also hinted that strong performances in the Big Bash League or any new injury concerns could still force changes before the final squad is confirmed closer to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Pat Cummins’ Uphill Battle for Fitness
The Australian captain remains the biggest concern. A lumbar stress fracture in July has severely limited his game time. He made the comeback in the Adelaide Test against England, after which he was immediately rested as McDonald didn’t want to take any chances with his long-term fitness.
Interestingly, Cummins hasn’t played a T20 international since the 2024 T20 World Cup, but the Kangaroos are willing to take him to the subcontinent for the showpiece event.
McDonald was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “Pat will have a scan, I think, in another four weeks, so that’ll give us the information then on where he’s at for the World Cup. He’ll be named in the squad of 15, and then we’ll get that information as to where he’s at.”
Josh Hazlewood: Steady Progress but Questions Linger
Hazlewood’s situation is more promising, yet his recent history raises questions about long-term planning. Having missed the entire Ashes 2025-26 against England at home with hamstring and Achilles issues, the Australian fast bowler has now returned to bowling.
His strong performances in the T20I series against India earlier will work in his favor, and the head coach hopes Hazlewood will be fine for probably his last T20 World Cup.
McDonald stated, “Josh is returning to bowl. He looks as though he should be right in terms of possible timeframes.”
Tim David’s Hamstring Scare & Timeframe
The explosive middle-order batter suffered a hamstring injury during a Big Bash League match on Boxing Day and was due to have a scan soon after. But this injury is believed to be in a different hamstring from the one he injured during the IPL earlier this year, which had kept him sidelined for two months. However, McDonald remains optimistic about David’s recovery.
The Australian coach said, “Not sure whether it’s just pure muscle or tendon, and that’ll give us a timeframe. I think the timeframe will be kind on TD as well. So, he should be available regardless of what that injury is.”
Australia’s schedule at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 also works in their favor. Their campaign begins on February 11, with Ireland and Zimbabwe as their first two group-stage opponents. They will face Sri Lanka on February 16, which could allow extra recovery time for these stars.