Cummins And Hazlewood Set To Feature In Australia’s T20 WC Plans

Australia is likely to name Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David in their provisional T20 World Cup squad. The three are all injured, but the selectors intend to put them on the radar as medical tests continue.

Cummins will undergo a second back scan in four weeks, and that will determine whether he goes to the World Cup or not. His sole international match since a lumbar stress injury in July has seen him come back only briefly to play in the Adelaide Test, bowl well, and then withdraw to help minimize the risk. His last T20I game was in the last World Cup in the Caribbean.

Coach Andrew McDonald affirmed that the captain would be named to the first 15-player squad and that final clearance would be made closer to the competition deadline, which would be on January 2.

"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," McDonald said. "He'll be named in the squad of 15, and then we'll get that information as to where he's at."

David Races The Clock But Remains In Contention

Tim David has a grade-two hamstring injury, a hamstring strain that occurred on Boxing Day when he was playing in Hurricanes, and will be unable to play the remainder of the BBL. Although this is a blow, dates indicate that well enough to take part in the World Cup that begins in early February. He was hurt in a chase with the Perth Scorchers, but a medical examination is a good sign.

McDonald remains confident he will have enough time to return before Australia begins its campaign.

"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 will start its World Cup campaign on February 11 against Ireland and soon after, it will play against Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka only enters the group stage later on February 16, allowing David additional time to recover should the need arise.

Hazlewood Tracks Toward Fitness

Hazlewood flew out of the whole Ashes due to Achilles and hamstring issues. However, his performances in the T20I against India earlier in the season have given selectors quite a lot of confidence. His rehabilitation is making progress, and his availability is improving.

McDonald gave an upbeat update on his pace spearhead.

"Josh is returning to bowl," McDonald said. "He looks as though he should be right in terms of possible timeframes."

With Cummins and Hazlewood both in different stages of recovery, Australia appears determined to maintain leadership and structure in their attack while leaving room for late adjustments.

Squad Flexibility And World Cup Build-Up

Australia will submit its provisional squad before the ICC cutoff date, but alterations remain possible depending on BBL performances, setbacks, or late fitness developments. The selectors are monitoring the domestic competition closely and will leave room for movement if form demands it.

Preparation for the tournament includes a three-match T20I series in Pakistan beginning in late January. Players selected for that assignment are likely to miss parts of the BBL finals due to scheduling overlap, but management believes international match practice takes priority as the World Cup approaches.

The decision to include Cummins, Hazlewood, and David reflects a strategy built around experience and proven match winners while trusting medical teams to guide availability over the coming weeks. With timelines aligning and contingency plans in place, Australia hopes its senior figures are fully ready by the time the world stage lights up.