Australia has announced a provisional 15‑man roster for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be staged in Sri Lanka and India from 7 February to 8 March. The spin‑heavy group, revealed on 1 January, pairs experienced stars with emerging talent, reflecting conditions expected on sub‑continental pitches.
Chief selector George Bailey said the squad could be amended until the ICC’s 31 January deadline, but that recent success allowed them to strike a balance for the tournament.
Squad Summary
The squad features a mix of power hitters and all‑rounders, three specialist spinners and four front‑line pace options. Josh Inglis is the only wicketkeeper, leaving no direct back‑up.
| Role | Players |
| Captain | Mitchell Marsh |
| All-rounders | Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly |
| Batters | Travis Head, Tim David, Matthew Short |
| Bowlers | Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann |
| Wicketkeeper | Josh Inglis |
Key Highlights And Composition
Australia’s team makers have chosen spin bowlers, picking left-arm bowler Matthew Kuhnemann and spin all-rounder Cooper Connolly, with well-known leg-spinner Adam Zampa. Kuhnemann is a surprise pick after just four T20 games, but he can spin the ball away from right-handed batters, which works well on pitches in Sri Lanka and India.
Injured bowlers Pat Cummins (back) and Josh Hazlewood (Achilles/hamstring), along with big hitter Tim David (hamstring), have been picked even though they haven’t played much cricket lately. Coach Andrew McDonald said the three players are doing well and should be ready for the World Cup.
The pace attack lacks a left‑arm seamer. Former spearhead Mitchell Starc retired from T20 internationals in September 2025, and Spencer Johnson – earmarked as his long‑term replacement – remains sidelined.
Johnson has been ruled out of the entire 2025‑26 Big Bash League, and his World Cup hopes are “all but dashed” after scans revealed a stress fracture in his back. Bailey picked Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett as fast bowlers since Johnson and Starc are not there. They, along with the all-rounders, add strength to the team.
Selector Comments And Rationale
Chief selector George Bailey said the team’s recent T20 success allowed the panel to choose a balanced squad tailored to conditions in Sri Lanka and India. He highlighted the importance of left‑arm spin and flexibility in batting order.
Bailey said the team might change before the ICC deadline but was sure the hurt players would get better. Bailey also supported adding Kuhnemann and Connolly, saying their spin could take advantage of the turns expected in group matches.
Coach McDonald said that Cummins and Hazlewood took a break from the home summer to be at their best for the World Cup.
Omitted Players And Wicketkeeper Situation
Several notable names missed out. Backup wicketkeeper Josh Philippe and experienced batter Mitch Owen were left out, leaving Josh Inglis as the lone gloveman.
Bailey said that having more batters and bowlers was more important than having a backup keeper. Ben Dwarshuis, a left-arm bowler who did well in the last T20I games, was not picked.
Starc is done playing, and Johnson is hurt, so Dwarshuis not being picked shows that the selectors believe in the right-arm fast bowlers and spin choices. Sean Abbott did not make the cut, even though he got better.
Josh Inglis is the only main wicketkeeper. They did not pick former Test keeper Alex Carey and strong hitter Philippe. Bailey said the group was okay with part-time choices if needed.
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Tournament Context And Next Steps
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 runs from 7 February to 8 March across Sri Lanka and India. Australia has been drawn in Group B with Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman.
All of Australia’s group matches will be played in Sri Lanka, split between Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium and Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy. According to the schedule published by Cricket Australia, Mitchell Marsh’s side starts against Ireland on 11 February in Colombo, followed by games against Zimbabwe on 13 February, hosts Sri Lanka on 16 February in Kandy and Oman on 20 February, also in Kandy.
The top two teams from each group progress to the Super Eight phase beginning on 21 February, with the final scheduled for 8 March at Ahmedabad. Australia will pick a different team for a three-match T20I series against Pakistan just before the World Cup.
The temporary list can be changed until 31 January, letting selectors check on form and fitness.
