Cricket Australia has officially announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Mitchell Marsh will lead the team as captain, with the squad built to balance spin depth, all-round options, and subcontinent adaptability.
Key Omissions and Surprising Selection Decisions
Several high-profile players were unexpectedly left out, including:
-
Mitchell Owen, in strong form for Hobart Hurricanes
-
No left-arm fast bowler, following Mitchell Starc’s retirement and Spencer Johnson’s injury
-
For the pace role, Xavier Bartlett was preferred over Ben Dwarshuis
Emerging Talent Earns World Cup Spot
-
Cooper Connolly earns a call-up despite not featuring in Australia’s last 12 T20 internationals.
-
Matthew Short, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Xavier Bartlett will make their T20 World Cup debuts, showcasing selectors’ willingness to back youth and emerging talent.
Australia T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
-
Mitchell Marsh (Captain)
-
Xavier Bartlett
-
Cooper Connolly
-
Pat Cummins
-
Tim David
-
Cameron Green
-
Nathan Ellis
-
Josh Hazlewood
-
Travis Head
-
Josh Inglis (Wicketkeeper)
-
Matthew Kuhnemann
-
Glenn Maxwell
-
Matthew Short
-
Marcus Stoinis
-
Adam Zampa
Fitness Concerns Ahead of the Tournament
Several players are managing injuries or fitness issues:
-
Pat Cummins – awaiting scan results for a back problem
-
Josh Hazlewood – recovering from hamstring injury
-
Tim David – returning from a hamstring issue
Selectors confirmed that squad changes are allowed until January 31, in line with ICC rules, if any player fails to prove full fitness.
Only One Specialist Wicketkeeper
The squad includes only one specialist gloveman — Josh Inglis, placing extra importance on his availability and fitness during the tournament.
Outlook for Australia
Australia’s squad blends experience, power-hitting, spin options, and emerging talent, targeting adaptability to subcontinent conditions. However, omissions of proven players and fitness uncertainties could influence their World Cup campaign.
