Tim David on track for T20 World Cup; Pat Cummins is expected to join later

Australia’s preparations for the T20 World Cup continue, with batsman Tim David overcoming a minor hamstring setback and remaining on course for the tournament, Cricket Australia’s selectors confirmed on Monday. Meanwhile, fast bowler Pat Cummins is expected to join the squad later in the World Cup after recovering from a lumbar stress injury.

David, Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, along with Glenn Maxwell and Nathan Ellis, will miss the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, set to be played in Lahore from January 29 to February 1.

Selectors have brought in Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards, who could make their international debuts following strong performances in the Big Bash League. Beardman, a 20-year-old pacer from Perth Scorchers, took eight wickets at 30.25, while Sydney Sixers’ all-rounder Edwards claimed 15 wickets at 18.33. Both have previously been involved in Australia’s T20I or ODI squads earlier this season.

Ten members of Australia’s confirmed T20 World Cup squad will feature in Pakistan, supported by an expanded 17-player group that includes Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, and Matt Renshaw. This allows for coverage of players still completing the Big Bash League final or returning from injury.

George Bailey, Chair of Selectors, said the minor setback for David was “just the result of a heavy training week” and confirmed that he had been cleared of further damage. He added that Cummins would likely join the World Cup squad around the third or fourth match, while Hazlewood is progressing well following hamstring and Achilles issues.

Bailey also noted that reserves from the Pakistan tour squad could be added to the T20 World Cup squad if needed, depending on how key players recover and tournament requirements.

Australia will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign on February 11 against Ireland in Colombo, while players still competing in the remainder of the BBL will join the Pakistan squad after completing their franchise commitments.

Australia T20I Squad vs Pakistan:

Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa