Cummins, Hazlewood likely to feature in Australia’s T20 World Cup roster
Cummins has participated in only one international match since incurring a lumbar stress injury to his back in July. He made his comeback during the Adelaide Test against England after a limited preparation and bowled exceptionally well, but he was quickly withdrawn from the rest of the series as Australia opted not to take any additional risks. Coach Andrew McDonald stated that Australia plans to include him in a 15-man squad that is expected to be announced before the ICC deadline on January 2, though a final decision regarding his fitness will be made closer to the event. Since the last World Cup held in the Caribbean, Cummins has not taken part in any T20I matches. “Pat will have a scan, I think in another four weeks, so that’ll provide us with the information then on where he’s at for the World Cup,” McDonald commented. “He’ll be included in the 15-man squad, and then we’ll receive that information regarding his status.” Hazlewood, who delivered excellent performances in the T20Is against India earlier this season, is expected to be fit, despite missing the entirety of the Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles issues. “Josh is back to bowling,” McDonald remarked. “He appears to be on schedule regarding possible recovery timelines.” David, a vital member of Australia’s middle order, also raises concerns after suffering a hamstring injury in the BBL on Boxing Day, and he was scheduled for a scan on Monday. It is believed that this injury involves a different hamstring from the one that sidelined him for two months due to an earlier IPL injury, but McDonald remains optimistic about his fitness for the tournament. “Not certain whether it’s strictly a muscle issue or a tendon one, and that’ll help us establish a timeline,” McDonald stated. “I think the recovery period will be beneficial for TD as well. Thus, he should be available regardless of the nature of that injury.” Australia’s opening match in the World Cup is on February 11, with their initial two group stage opponents being Ireland and Zimbabwe. They are not scheduled to face Sri Lanka until February 16, should David require additional time to recover. The preliminary squad may also be adjusted based on performance in the BBL or other injuries before the final selections are made as the World Cup approaches. Australia is set to engage in three T20Is in Pakistan from late January as part of their preparation for the tournament, with this schedule likely resulting in those players being unable to participate in some or all of the BBL finals.
Published: 2025-12-29 01:56:00
source: www.espncricinfo.com
