Australia’s planning for the T20 World Cup is now moving into its final phase, and the selectors are set to back experience even with fitness concerns hanging over key names. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David are all expected to be included in Australia’s provisional 15-man squad to be submitted before the ICC deadline on January 2, despite each carrying recent injury issues.
Can Pat Cummins be fit for T20 World Cup?
The headline act, as always, is Cummins. The Australian Test captain has played just one international match since July after picking up a lumbar stress injury during the West Indies tour. His comeback in the third Ashes Test at Adelaide was outstanding. Six wickets, full pace, total control. And then he was immediately wrapped in cotton wool again. Australia were never going to gamble with their captain’s back, especially with the World Cup barely a month away.
Cummins will undergo another scan in about four weeks before a final call is taken on his participation. But selectors are convinced his value is too high to ignore, and he will be named in the squad regardless. The logic is simple. If he’s fit, he plays.
Hazlewood’s situation is far less dramatic. He missed the entire Ashes with hamstring and Achilles concerns but has resumed bowling and is expected to be match-ready in time. Given his recent form in T20Is against India earlier this season, there is no hesitation in pencilling him into the World Cup plans.
Then comes Tim David, the most important piece of Australia’s finishing puzzle. The big hitter injured his hamstring in the BBL on Boxing Day and is awaiting scan results, but early indications suggest the damage is manageable. Australia’s staff remain confident he will be available for the tournament opener on February 11. Australia’s preparation will include a three-match T20I series in Pakistan in late January, though many World Cup players may miss BBL finals.
