Australia Name Cummins, Hazlewood and David in Provisional World Cup Squad Despite Injury Concerns

Despite ongoing injury concerns, Australia are set to name Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David in their provisional squad for the ICC T20 World Cup. Head coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed that a 15-member squad will be announced ahead of the ICC deadline on January 2.

Cummins has played very little cricket since July due to a lumbar stress injury in his back. Although he returned for the Adelaide Test against England, Australia opted not to take any risks and withdrew him from the remainder of the series. His participation in the World Cup will depend on the results of another scan scheduled in four weeks’ time.

Coach McDonald said, “Pat will be named in the squad. A final decision will be made once we receive the scan results in four weeks.” Notably, Cummins has not played a T20 international since the previous World Cup in the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, the team management remains optimistic about Josh Hazlewood’s fitness despite him missing the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles issues. Hazlewood impressed in the recent T20I series against India earlier this season.
“Josh has returned to bowling, and it looks like he should be fine within the expected timeframe,” McDonald said.

Tim David suffered a grade-two hamstring strain while playing for Hobart Hurricanes on Boxing Day and has been ruled out of the remainder of the Big Bash League. However, with the World Cup beginning in early February, there is sufficient time for his recovery.
“The timeline is in Tim David’s favour. We’re hopeful he’ll be ready in time,” the coach added.

Australia’s first World Cup match is scheduled for February 11. Their opening group-stage opponents are Ireland and Zimbabwe, with Sri Lanka not faced until February 16—allowing additional recovery time for David if needed.

The provisional squad may still change before the tournament based on Big Bash performances or any new injury concerns. As part of their preparation, Australia will play a three-match T20I series in Pakistan in late January, a schedule that could see several players miss part or all of the Big Bash League finals.