Kuhnemann Surprise Inclusion in Australias T20 World Cup Squad

Matthew Kuhnemann is on the verge of making his T20 World Cup debut after being named as the biggest surprise in Australia’s squad for the upcoming tournament.
Despite injury concerns, star pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been included as expected, while explosive batter Tim David has also been named.
However, last season’s Big Bash League (BBL) final hero Mitch Owen, fully fit fast bowler Sean Abbott, and backup wicketkeeper Josh Philippe have been left out of the squad. Philippe’s omission means Josh Inglis will be Australia’s only specialist wicketkeeper at the tournament, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.
Australia will begin their World Cup campaign against Ireland in Colombo on February 11. Fast bowler Xavier Bartlett, allrounder Cooper Connolly and versatile batter Matt Short are in line to make their World Cup debuts in that match.
Among the 15-player squad, Kuhnemann’s selection stands out as the most unexpected. The left-arm spinner made his T20 international debut during Australia’s tour of the West Indies in the winter of 2025. He has played just four T20Is so far and is yet to take a wicket, with his best figures being 0 for 14.
However, selectors believe Kuhnemann’s left-arm spin could prove effective on the turning pitches expected in subcontinental conditions. Earlier in 2025, he was one of Australia’s standout performers on the Test tour of Sri Lanka, albeit with the red ball.
Experienced leg-spinner Adam Zampa is the other frontline spinner included in the squad.
Chief selector George Bailey said, “The T20 side has enjoyed a long period of success, which allowed the selection panel to choose a balanced squad suited to the variety of conditions India and Sri Lanka may offer.”
Australia coach Andrew McDonald had earlier confirmed that the team was hopeful Cummins, who is managing a back issue, Hazlewood, who has been dealing with Achilles and hamstring injuries, and Tim David, who is recovering from a hamstring problem, would all be fit to feature in the World Cup.
As part of injury management, Cummins has been rested for the final two Ashes Tests, while Hazlewood did not take part in the series at all. David will also miss the remainder of the Hobart Hurricanes’ BBL campaign in order to be ready for the World Cup.
Australia will announce a separate squad for the T20I series against Pakistan ahead of the World Cup.
Australia were eliminated at the Super 8 stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup after a shock defeat to Afghanistan ended their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
Australia squad:Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa.