Matthew Kuhnemann was a surprise inclusion as Australia named Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David in their T20 World Cup squad despite injury concerns.

Left-arm spinner Kuhnemann made his debut in the West Indies last July and is yet to take a wicket in his four caps, but he was nemd in the 15-man squad for the competition in India and Sri Lanka.

Cummins' inclusion comes despite missing the final two Ashes Tests after returning in the series-clinching third win in Adelaide.

Hamstring and Achilles issues stopped Hazlewood from appearing in the Ashes in any form, while T20 specialist David suffered a hamstring injury while representing Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League on Boxing Day.

"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," said selection chair George Bailey.

Sean Abbott missed out despite returning to fitness, as did Mitch Owen and backup wicketkeeper Josh Philippe.

Australia begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland in Colombo on February 11 but will name a separate squad for their upcoming tour of Pakistan.

Introducing our squad for next month’s #T20WorldCup in India and Sri Lanka!   pic.twitter.com/mtlxGRrdCC

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) January 1, 2026

 

Australia : Mitchell Marsh (captain), 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.