Australian cricket selectors have taken a gamble on star fast bowler Pat Cummins, naming him in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup despite lingering uncertainty over a back injury that could still sideline him.
Injury Timelines for Key Pace Attack
The 32-year-old Test captain, who made a brief return from the complaint during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, will undergo further scans on his back in late January. The results of that scan will ultimately determine his availability for the global tournament, which is scheduled for February and March across India and Sri Lanka.
Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Cummins will be one of the 15 players named in the squad this week, but the team management faces an anxious wait. Under tournament rules, Cummins can be replaced in the squad if the medical news is unfavourable.
Positive Signs for Hazlewood and David
In more promising news for the Australian camp, fellow quick Josh Hazlewood is reportedly progressing well in his recovery from hamstring and Achilles issues that forced him to miss the entire Ashes series. McDonald expressed confidence that the time frames are "kind" for Hazlewood's return to bowling.
Power-hitting all-rounder Tim David, who sustained a hamstring injury while playing for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL on Boxing Day, is also expected to be fit. David was due for scans on Monday to determine the exact nature of the injury, but McDonald indicated he "should be available no matter what."
World Cup Campaign and Group Draw
Australia will begin their T20 World Cup title defence on February 11 against Ireland in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The team has been drawn in Group B alongside Ireland, Oman, Zimbabwe, and co-hosts Sri Lanka.
Cummins and Hazlewood were both integral to Australia's only previous T20 World Cup triumph, which came in the UAE in 2021. Their fitness will be crucial if Australia is to challenge for the trophy again in subcontinental conditions.
The coming weeks will be critical for the Australian medical and selection staff as they monitor the recovery of these key players ahead of a major international tournament.
