T20 World Cup 2026: Can injury-stricken Australia prevail?
What's the story
Australia will begin their 2026 ICC T20 World Cup campaign on February 11 against Ireland at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium. Under Mitchell Marsh, the team is hoping to add a second title, having won the first in 2021. Australia, who have the required experience with explosive firepower, will be tested on the slow subcontinent pitches. Moreover, injuries have hurt their campaign even before the tournament's start.
Squad
A look at Australia's squad
Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the tournament with a back injury. Josh Hazlewood will also be absent in the first half. Adam Zampa and Tim David also face injury concerns, while seamer Sean Abbott was recently added to the squad as a traveling reserve. Squad: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, and Abbott.
Team strengths
Australia's batting depth could be a game-changer
Australia boast a formidable batting order, capable of turning the tide with quickfire knocks. A lot will revolve around the form of opener Head, who has a strike rate of 156.52 in the format. They already have Maxwell, Stoinis, David, and Green as x-factors. Each of these players can roll their arm over. And they have a world-class wrist-spinner in Zampa, who is usually lethal in Asia.
Team weaknesses
Australia's top order could face challenges on slow pitches
Despite having the firepower of Marsh and Head at the top, Australia's batting order has been exposed in the Asian conditions. Their ability to counter spin is in question. Albeit with a second-string side, Australia recently suffered batting collapses in Pakistan. Moreover, the absence of the Big Three - Cummins, Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc (retired) - will definitely hurt them. If Zampa fails to recover from his groin niggle, Australia don't have another proven specialist spinner.
Information
Likely XI for first match
Australia's likely XI for the first match: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wicket-keeper), Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Cooper Connolly, Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis, and Adam Zampa/Matthew Kuhnemann.