Australia have officially announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be played in Sri Lanka and India, with Mitchell Marsh named captain of a side built around spin options and versatility.
The selection panel has made several notable calls. In-form all-rounder Mitchell Owen has been left out despite impressive recent performances for the Hobart Hurricanes, while Australia will head into the tournament without a left-arm fast bowler. The absence follows the retirement of Mitchell Starc from T20 internationals and an injury setback for Spencer Johnson.
Instead, Xavier Bartlett has been preferred as the final specialist seamer, edging out fellow left-armer Ben Dwarshuis.
One of the standout inclusions is Cooper Connolly, who has earned a spot despite not featuring in any of Australia’s last 12 T20 internationals. The selectors also backed Matthew Short, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Bartlett, all of whom are in line to make their T20 World Cup debuts when the tournament begins on February 7.
Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
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Mitchell Marsh (c)
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Xavier Bartlett
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Cooper Connolly
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Pat Cummins
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Tim David
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Cameron Green
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Nathan Ellis
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Josh Hazlewood
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Travis Head
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Josh Inglis (wk)
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Matthew Kuhnemann
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Glenn Maxwell
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Matthew Short
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Marcus Stoinis
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Adam Zampa
Star pacer Mitchell Starc, who featured in five of the past six T20 World Cups, stepped away from international T20 cricket late last year and was unavailable for selection.
There are also fitness concerns around a few key players. Pat Cummins is awaiting scan results for a back issue, while Josh Hazlewood and Tim David are returning from hamstring injuries.
Another talking point is the absence of a reserve wicketkeeper, with Josh Inglis named as the squad’s sole specialist gloveman.
Under ICC rules, Australia have until January 31 to make changes to the squad if any player fails to prove full fitness ahead of the tournament.
