Australia have officially announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be played in India and Sri Lanka. Keeping subcontinent conditions in mind, the selectors have gone with a spin-heavy and all-rounder-rich squad, backed by experience and proven match-winners.
Mitchell Marsh will lead the side, while several players are expected to make their T20 World Cup debut in this edition.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Tournament Overview
Host Nations & Dates
- Hosts: India & Sri Lanka
- Start Date: 7 February 2026
- Final: 8 March 2026
Australia are placed in Group B, along with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman.
Read Also: Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026: Squad, Captain
Australia Squad for T20 World Cup 2026 (Official List)
Batters
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Travis Head | Middle-order Batter |
| Tim David | Middle-order Power Hitter |
| Josh Inglis (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Matthew Short | Top-order Batter |
All-Rounders
| Player | Type |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Marsh (Captain) | Batting All-rounder |
| Cameron Green | Fast-bowling All-rounder |
| Glenn Maxwell | Batting All-rounder |
| Marcus Stoinis | Seam-bowling All-rounder |
| Cooper Connolly | Spin All-rounder |
Bowlers
| Player | Bowling Style |
|---|---|
| Pat Cummins | Right-arm Fast |
| Josh Hazlewood | Right-arm Fast |
| Nathan Ellis | Right-arm Fast-medium |
| Xavier Bartlett | Right-arm Fast-medium |
| Adam Zampa | Leg-spin |
| Matthew Kuhnemann | Left-arm Orthodox Spin |
Why Australia Picked a Spin-Heavy Squad
Subcontinent Conditions in Focus: India and Sri Lanka are known for slow, turning pitches, especially in the middle overs. Australia have strengthened their spin options with:
- Adam Zampa
- Matthew Kuhnemann
- Cooper Connolly
- Part-time spin from Maxwell and Matthew Short
This gives Australia flexibility to adjust combinations match by match.
Key Inclusions & Big Talking Points
Mitchell Marsh Leads the Side
Marsh continues as captain after delivering consistent performances with both bat and leadership skills in recent T20 campaigns.
Debutants to Watch
Several players are set for their first T20 World Cup appearance, including:
- Xavier Bartlett
- Matthew Short
- Matthew Kuhnemann
- Cooper Connolly
These selections signal a mix of fresh energy and tactical depth.
No Left-Arm Fast Bowler
Australia have opted not to include a left-arm pacer. With Mitchell Starc retired from T20Is and Spencer Johnson unavailable, the selectors backed Bartlett over a like-for-like replacement.
Injury Watch: Fitness Will Be Key
A few senior players are recovering from injuries:
- Pat Cummins – back issue
- Josh Hazlewood – hamstring and Achilles concerns
- Tim David – muscle injury
All three are expected to regain full fitness before the tournament. Squad changes are permitted until late January if required.
See Also: England Squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Full Players list
Australia’s Group B Match Schedule (IST)
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 11 | Australia vs Ireland | Colombo |
| Feb 13 | Australia vs Zimbabwe | Colombo |
| Feb 16 | Australia vs Sri Lanka | Pallekele |
| Feb 20 | Australia vs Oman | Pallekele |
FAQs
Who is Australia’s captain for T20 World Cup 2026?
Mitchell Marsh is leading Australia in the tournament.
How many spinners are in Australia’s squad?
Australia have specialist spinners Adam Zampa and Matthew Kuhnemann, along with multiple spin-capable all-rounders.
Are Cummins and Hazlewood fit to play?
Both are recovering from injuries and are expected to be match-ready before the World Cup begins.
Has Australia won the T20 World Cup before?
Yes, Australia won their first T20 World Cup title in 2021.
Can Australia still change their squad?
Yes, changes are allowed until late January 2026 if players fail fitness tests.
