The Australian cricket team has unveiled its strategy for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, opting for a squad rich in spin-bowling options. The defending champions, who triumphed in 2021, announced their 15-member team on Thursday, setting the stage for their title defence across venues in Sri Lanka and India.
Key Omissions and Surprise Inclusions
The most significant change comes in the pace department, where the selectors have decided against including a specialist left-arm fast bowler. This move follows the retirement of veteran Mitchell Starc from T20 Internationals late last year. Starc's absence is notable, as he had been a near-permanent feature, missing only one of Australia's last six ICC T20 World Cup campaigns.
The squad announcement also delivered a major surprise in the form of Cooper Connolly. The young all-rounder has not played for Australia in any of their previous 12 T20 Internationals, making his selection a bold punt by the national selectors as they look to inject fresh energy into the lineup.
Fitness Concerns and Tournament Schedule
Captain Pat Cummins faces a race against time to be fit for the global tournament. His participation hangs in the balance, with a scan on his back scheduled for later this month set to determine his final availability. Meanwhile, key players Josh Hazlewood and power-hitter Tim David are both on recovery paths from hamstring injuries.
Australia's campaign in the group stage will be based entirely in Sri Lanka. They begin their title defence against Ireland in Colombo on February 11, followed by a clash with Zimbabwe at the same venue on February 13. The team then moves to Kandy to face Sri Lanka on February 16 and Oman on February 20. Should they advance, the team will travel to India for at least a part of the Super Eights stage of the competition.
Final Preparations and Squad Flexibility
As part of their final preparations, Australia is scheduled to play a three-match T20I series against Pakistan later this month. According to ICC regulations, all participating teams have the flexibility to make changes to their announced squads until the deadline of January 31.
The full squad sees Mitchell Marsh leading the side. The team includes Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa. The spin-heavy composition underscores the team's readiness for the subcontinental conditions expected in Sri Lanka and India.
