Connolly selected for Australia’s T20 World Cup squad; Owen, Dwarshuis left out
Connolly, the left-handed batsman and left-arm spinner, did not participate in the series against South Africa, New Zealand, or India last year and has played only six T20 internationals— batting just two times in those matches and taking one wicket. However, he has made a notable start in the BBL for Perth Scorchers, scoring 170 runs at a strike rate of 166.66 and achieving five wickets with an economy rate of 7.62. He adds another spin bowling option to the team, joining Adam Zampa, Matt Kuhnemann, and Glenn Maxwell. As noted by head coach Andrew McDonald earlier this week, Pat Cummins has been added to the squad, but his participation will depend on a medical scan at the end of January to evaluate his back after he played only once in the ongoing Ashes series. Josh Hazlewood, who has missed all of the Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles injuries, is also included, pending his recovery, as is Tim David, whose BBL season has been cut short by a hamstring injury. The exclusion of left-arm seamer Dwarshuis, who represents the Sydney Sixers, is significant; it means there is no left-arm pace option available, following Mitchell Starc’s T20I retirement and Spencer Johnson’s injury. Xavier Bartlett has secured the final pace-bowling spot. Dwarshuis had been performing well in the West Indies earlier this year and against South Africa before suffering a calf injury during the series against New Zealand, which limited his participation against India. Nevertheless, despite not being in the current squad, he is likely a frontrunner for a call-up in case Cummins or Hazlewood are unable to recover. The provisional squad can be adjusted freely until the beginning of the support period in early February. Sean Abbott may also be considered if additional pace-bowling reserves are required. “The T20 team has enjoyed a prolonged period of success, allowing the selectors to create a well-balanced squad adaptable to various conditions Sri Lanka and India might offer,” stated national selector George Bailey. “Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David are all doing well, and we trust they will be ready for the World Cup. This is a preliminary squad, so adjustments can and will be made as needed ahead of the support period.” Owen, the allrounder from Hobart Hurricanes and Tasmania, is another significant omission after making his debut in the West Indies and playing 13 matches last year. However, after scoring 50, 36 not out, and 37 in his first four innings, he failed to exceed 14 in his next five attempts and has had a disappointing start in the BBL. The selectors have chosen not to name a second wicketkeeper in the 15-man squad, which poses a risk for requiring an emergency replacement should Josh Inglis encounter an issue near a match. Maxwell has previously been prepared to take on this role when another specialized wicketkeeper was unavailable. Alex Carey and Josh Philippe were both available options, but their absence allows room for another player who is more likely to contribute to the XI. Australia’s World Cup journey begins on February 11 against Ireland, followed by additional group games against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Oman, with all four matches scheduled in Sri Lanka. Australia is set to compete in three T20Is in Pakistan in late January to prepare for the World Cup. A squad for those matches will be announced at a later date. Australia’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Published: 2026-01-01 03:18:00
source: www.espncricinfo.com
