Australia have named a provisional 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka and India, with Mitchell Marsh confirmed as captain and several senior stars returning to the setup. The 2021 world champions have opted for a spin-loaded group, keeping conditions firmly in mind while also leaving the door open for late changes based on fitness.
Pat Cummins, Cameron Green and Cooper Connolly, all missing from the recent T20I series against India, return to the squad, boosting both experience and balance. Australia’s selectors have also leaned heavily into slow-bowling options, with Adam Zampa joined by Matthew Kuhnemann and Connolly, while Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short add all-round spin depth.
Australian chair of selectors George Bailey said the panel were able to focus on players most capable of thriving in subcontinental conditions, even though several squad members are still working towards full fitness. “The T20 side has enjoyed a long run of recent success which enabled the panel to choose a balance of players across the variety of conditions Sri Lanka and India may present,” Bailey noted, adding that Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David are tracking well in their recoveries.
One notable structural call is the absence of a left-arm seamer. With Mitchell Starc retired from T20Is and Spencer Johnson ruled out injured, Australia resisted the temptation to pick Ben Dwarshuis and instead went with right-arm quick Xavier Bartlett, signalling confidence in their existing pace group.
Bailey also stressed that the squad remains preliminary, meaning adjustments may be made before the World Cup support period begins. Meanwhile, a separate squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan will be announced later.
With experience, spin depth and power hitting all covered, Australia look well-equipped, provided their key men pull through fitness tests, as they begin the march toward another World Cup tilt on the subcontinent.
Provisional Australian squad: Mitchell Marsh (C), 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, Adam Zampa
