SRH and RCB Stars Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood Named in Australia's Provisional T20 World Cup Squad

Australian fast bowling stalwarts Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are set to be included in Australia’s provisional 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, despite both players managing recent injury concerns. Head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the decision, backing the experienced pacers to regain full fitness ahead of the tournament, which begins in February.

Cummins, the Sunrisers Hyderabad captain, has been recovering from a lumbar stress injury in his back and was withdrawn from the remainder of the Ashes series as a precaution after a successful return in the Adelaide Test. McDonald noted that Cummins will undergo a crucial scan in four weeks to determine his final availability, but his inclusion in the provisional squad signals the selectors' confidence in his recovery timeline.

Similarly, Josh Hazlewood, a key bowler for Royal Challengers Bangalore, is also expected to be fit after missing the Ashes due to hamstring and Achilles issues. McDonald provided a positive update, stating that Hazlewood is returning to bowling and looks likely to be ready for the World Cup, providing a major boost to Australia’s pace attack.