Cummins hasn’t participated in white-ball cricket since June 2024, and he was rested for the final two Ashes matches against England as well.
The fast bowler will have final scans later this month to assess his availability for the World Cup, according to Cricket Australia. Teams have until January 31 to submit their final squads.
Hazlewood missed the entire Ashes series due to an injury in the Achilles region while recovering from a hamstring strain, and David sustained a new hamstring injury during the Big Bash League (BBL) on Boxing Day.
“They are tracking well, and we are optimistic they will be fit for the World Cup,” said Australian chair of selectors George Bailey.
Australia has also made unexpected call-ups for left-arm spinners Matt Kuhnemann and Cooper Connolly, who collectively have just one T20 wicket.
They will join experienced leg-spinner Adam Zampa, supported by Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short for additional spin options.
“This is a preliminary squad, so any necessary changes can be made before the support period,” Bailey noted.
Connolly has been in exceptional form with the bat in the BBL this season, scoring 170 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 166.
Australia, competing in their group matches in Sri Lanka, will be led by Mitchell Marsh as captain and will begin their World Cup journey against Ireland on February 11.
Australia squad for T20 World Cup: Mitchell Marsh (captain), 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, Adam Zampa
(With Reuters inputs)
First Published: Jan 1, 2026 3:56 PM IST
