Australia is contemplating a significant strategy for the T20 World Cup, focusing on the possibility of including Pat Cummins, their star fast bowler, even if he cannot participate in the initial matches due to a lingering back injury. Inspired by their recent success at the 2023 ODI World Cup, the team management is taking careful steps to ensure that Cummins is fit for the latter stages of this prestigious tournament.
Cummins, who serves as the captain for the Test team, was part of the provisional 15-player squad announced on Thursday. However, he is undergoing a meticulous rehabilitation process for a stress fracture in his back, which has limited his competitive play since July. His most recent appearance was during the Adelaide Ashes Test in December, where he notably took three wickets in each innings, helping Australia retain the Ashes trophy.
The provisional squad features notable players, including Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Cameron Green, and several others. Cummins is scheduled for a medical scan later in January to assess his recovery progress and determine whether he can compete in the World Cup, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka.
This scenario has led to discussions among Australian management about the feasibility of selecting Cummins without expecting him to play until late in the tournament, reminiscent of the strategy used with player Travis Head during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The ICC regulations mandate that each team must field its playing XI from the selected squad of 15, with replacements allowed only in cases of injury. If Cummins is picked but unable to play at the outset, Australia would effectively have to operate with just 14 available players for the initial matches, as any substituted player cannot return to the squad. The final roster must be submitted to the ICC by the end of January.
In the previous World Cup, Travis Head encountered a similar situation, not arriving in India until after the fourth match due to a fractured hand. This strategy turned out to be a brilliant decision, as he scored a remarkable century in his first game against New Zealand and an unforgettable ton in the finals against India.
Furthermore, fellow bowler Josh Hazlewood is also on the road to recovery after experiencing an issue with his Achilles while rehabilitating from a hamstring strain sustained during the Sheffield Shield. While it’s unlikely that either Cummins or Hazlewood will be ready for the three pre-tournament T20I matches against Pakistan, selection chair George Bailey remains optimistic about their participation in the World Cup itself.
"I doubt they will be available for the Pakistan series, but I believe both should be ready for the World Cup," Bailey shared with reporters on Saturday. "Patty might come in later, potentially mirroring Travis Head's situation from the 50-over World Cup, where we find an entry point at some stage. We hope to manage and keep him in the squad until that time. I think 'Hoff' (Hazlewood) should be fit in time for the start."
Bailey acknowledges the inherent risks associated with this plan but points out the versatility within the squad, including all-rounders and spin options, which could provide flexibility in case they face a shortage of pace bowlers.
"You might find yourself in a tight spot and need to adjust the squad accordingly," Bailey remarked. "We were nearly in that position with Trav as well. The advantage is that in Colombo and Kandy, we may have the opportunity to configure our team differently. We possess some excellent all-round skills and various spin options, allowing us to adapt the team structure quite naturally."
As for the upcoming group fixtures, Australia will face Ireland and Zimbabwe in Colombo, followed by matches against Sri Lanka and Oman in Kandy. Additionally, Tim David, who recently suffered a hamstring injury while playing for the Hobart Hurricanes, is anticipated to be fit in time for Australia’s opening match against Ireland on February 13.
