Australia fast bowling trio Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc likely to play in T20 World Cup

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New Delhi. Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed the participation of key fast bowlers – Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc – for the upcoming T20 series against West Indies and New Zealand in preparation for the T20 World Cup.

The unexpected light workload during the Test summer prompted the selectors to consider fielding the trio in the limited-overs format, a departure from the initial plan to rest them.

With none of the four Test matches reaching the fifth day and minimal overs being bowled, Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc showed a renewed vigor, leaving the door open for their involvement in the T20s.

Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, hinted at this possibility, stressing the importance of being at full strength for the New Zealand series, a crucial preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.

“We’ll give it some thought,” he was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “There will be some who can play, and there will be some who won’t. It will be different teams for each series. We will try to be as full strength as possible for the New Zealand series.”

“We have six matches before the World Cup. There’s a lot of World Cup planning going on at the moment. We’ll try to be as full strength as possible for the New Zealand series.”

The selectors considered workload concerns, especially with Cummins and Starc taking part in the IPL, when meeting to finalize the squads. A strategic rotation could be seen, with select players being rested, and Hazlewood is likely to feature prominently in both T20 series.

Australia’s successful World Cup campaigns in 2021 and 2023, relying on a strong pace attack and minimal spin, set the blueprint for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies. The team aims to repeat this formation while supporting the trio of Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc.

While David Warner, Tim David and possibly Marcus Stoinis are expected to return from various T20 leagues, there remains uncertainty over the captaincy for the T20 World Cup. Despite his leadership success in Tests and ODIs, Cummins is unlikely to take charge in T20s. Mitchell Marsh, having demonstrated his leadership abilities, has emerged as a strong contender based on his interim captaincy success in South Africa.

“Davy will be selected,” McDonald said. He will return from IL T20. I think most of our players who are going there will be back on (February 7) to prepare for the (first) T20 in Hobart.”

In the coaching shift, Andrew McDonald opted to skip the ODI and T20I series against the West Indies to focus on the upcoming New Zealand tour. Assistant coach Daniel Vettori will lead the team in McDonald’s absence, a strategic move to ensure a well-prepared squad for the challenges ahead.

–IANS

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