Australia has announced their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2026, naming Mitchell Marsh as its captain for the tournament. The cricket tournament is set to begin on February 7, and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The names in the squad suggest that the kangaroos are focusing on slow bowling on spin-friendly pitches in both host countries. However, it may be noted that this is a preliminary squad which is subject to change, and a final submission has to be made on January 31 by the Australian selection committee.
The Perth Scorchers secured a 40-run victory over the Hobart Hurricanes in the 19th match of the Big Bash League today. After opting to bat first, the Scorchers posted a massive total of 229/3, with a 164-run partnership between Aaron Hardie and Mitchell Marsh. Aaron Hardie contributed 94 runs, while Marsh anchored the innings with a brilliant 102 off just 58 deliveries.
Is Aaron Hardie part of the Australia squad?
The Australian squad announcement has lraised many eyebrows. Aaron Hardie, who made his T20I and ODI debuts in South Africa before captaining Perth Scorchers in the absence of Ashton Turner in 2023, has not made the cut.
All-rounder Mitchell Owen, who has been a regular in recent months, has also missed out on a place, possibly due to Cameron Green being in the team and the presence of the experienced all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. Additionally, Spencer Johnson has also been ruled out due to a back injury. Instead, the selectors have backed Xavier Bartlett, choosing him ahead of Ben Dwarshuis for the final fast-bowling spot.
Cooper Connolly got an inclusion in the squad, despite not featuring in Australia’s last several T20 internationals. Notably, many players are set to make their T20 World Cup debuts, including Bartlett, Matthew Short and spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. The squad includes experienced faces such as Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa and Travis Head.
Australia T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Australian T20 cricket team: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
