Sydney: Australia’s star pacers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are expected to miss the three-match T20I series against Pakistan ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Both bowlers have been named in Australia’s World Cup squad, but their fitness remains in doubt.
Cummins made one appearance in the third Ashes Test after recovering from a back injury, while Hazlewood, ruled out of the Ashes series after the opening match, is recovering from an Achilles injury.
Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey has expressed confidence over the fitness of Hazlewood and Tim David ahead of the mega event.
“I don’t think they (Cummins and Hazlewood) will be available for the Pakistan series, but I think both should be ready for the World Cup,” Bailey told reporters at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Commenting on Cummins, Bailey said that the fast bowler could join the tournament later, similar to Travis Head’s entry during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
“Batti may come a little later; there may be a situation like Travis Head in the 50-over World Cup, where there is a certain entry point. Until then we hope to manage a team. Hazlewood should be fit for the start and I think Tim David will be ready too,” he said.
Bailey also confirmed that performance in the Big Bash League (PBL) will be considered for selection in the Pakistan series.
Historically, Australia and Pakistan have faced each other 28 times in T20 cricket.
In these meetings, the Kangaroos have won 14 times, while the Green Shirts have won 13 matches. One game ended in a draw, highlighting the closely contested nature of their rivalry.
Australia T20 World Cup 2026 Squad:
Mitchell Marsh (catch), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhneman, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa.