The T20 World Cup 2026 will be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 onwards.
Injuries plague all three aforementioned players. Pat Cummins will undergo another scan on his back before his inclusion in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad. Cummins suffered a back injury after the West Indies Test series, and he has played only one Test since then, at Adelaide in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 series.
On the other hand, Tim David was ruled out of the rest of the BBL with the Hobart Hurricanes after picking up a grade two right hamstring strain on December 26. But his recovery timeline might be enough for David to be fit in time for the T20 World Cup.
Coach Andrew McDonald stated that Australia will name Pat Cummins in a 15-man team before the ICC deadline of January 2, but his availability will be determined closer to the event.
"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,” McDonald said, as per cricket.com.au.
Josh Hazlewood, who bowled brilliantly in the T20Is against India earlier this season, is expected to be healthy despite missing the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles ailments.
"Josh is returning to bowl. He looks as though he should be right in terms of possible timeframes,” McDonald said.
David, a crucial part of Australia's middle order, retired hurt in the Hurricanes' chase against the Perth Scorchers.
"I think the timeframe will be kind on TD as well. So, he should be available no matter what that injury is," McDonald said earlier on Monday.
Australia's first ICC World T20 Cup encounter isn't until February 11, and their first two group stage opponents are Ireland and Zimbabwe. If they needed to give David additional time, they might delay their match against Sri Lanka until February 16.
Australia will play three T20Is in Pakistan beginning in late January as part of their preparation for the competition, and the timetable means that those engaged will most likely miss some or all of the BBL final.
The tentative team may possibly alter depending on the BBL form or any injuries before being finalized closer to the commencement of the World Cup.
(cricket.com.au inputs)