Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out of Australia’s T20I Tour of Pakistan Ahead of T20 World Cup

Australia have made a strategic move ahead of the upcoming World Cup by resting senior players Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David from their final T20I assignment. The trio will miss the three-match Australia Pakistan T20I series scheduled to begin later this month in Lahore. This decision reflects Australia’s focus on managing workloads and ensuring key players are fully fit for the World Cup.

Australia Name 17-Player Squad For Pakistan T20I Series

For the Australia Pakistan T20I series, the selectors have announced a 17-player Australia T20I squad that blends experience with fresh talent. The three-match series in Lahore will serve as a valuable platform for testing depth ahead of the World Cup. Several players who impressed in the Big Bash League have earned selection, highlighting Australia’s commitment to rewarding domestic performance.

Mahli Beardman And Jack Edwards Earn Call-Ups

One of the biggest talking points of the Australia T20I squad is the inclusion of fast bowler Mahli Beardman from Perth Scorchers and all-rounder Jack Edwards from Sydney Sixers. Both players caught the selectors’ attention with standout performances in the Big Bash League. Although neither has made an international debut yet, their inclusion in the Australia Pakistan T20I series signals confidence in their potential.

Valuable Exposure During India Tour

While Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards are uncapped at international level, they are not entirely new to the setup. Both were part of the Australian white-ball squad during India’s tour earlier this summer. That exposure has helped them adapt to international standards, and the Australia Pakistan T20I series offers them another opportunity to push for long-term selection ahead of the World Cup.

Senior Trio To Join World Cup Squad In Sri Lanka

Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David will link up with the Australia World Cup squad in Sri Lanka instead of travelling to Pakistan. Australia’s league-stage campaign begins against Ireland on February 11, and the management believes this approach best prepares the senior players for the tournament. Notably, 10 of the 17 players named for the Australia Pakistan T20I series are already part of the World Cup squad.

Fitness Updates On Hazlewood And Tim David

Australia’s medical staff has provided positive updates regarding Josh Hazlewood and Tim David ahead of the World Cup. Hazlewood is recovering from hamstring and Achilles concerns, while Tim David is managing a hamstring issue. Both players are expected to be fully fit for the World Cup opener, which is why Australia opted to rest them during the Pakistan T20I series.

Cautious Approach With Pat Cummins

Unlike Hazlewood and David, Australia are taking a more cautious approach with captain Pat Cummins. He is currently recovering from back stress fractures, and the team management wants to avoid unnecessary risk. The focus is on ensuring Cummins is available and at full strength for the later and more crucial stages of the World Cup, making his absence from the Australia Pakistan T20I series a calculated decision.

Lahore Set To Host All Three T20Is

All three matches of the Australia Pakistan T20I series will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The venue is expected to offer lively conditions and passionate crowds, providing a competitive environment for Australia’s squad members. These matches will be an important test for players pushing for a spot in the final World Cup XI.

Full Australia T20I Squad For Pakistan Series

The Australia T20I squad for the Pakistan tour includes Mitch Marsh as captain, alongside Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa. This squad reflects Australia’s depth and flexibility ahead of the World Cup.

Australia Pakistan T20I Series Schedule

The Australia Pakistan T20I series begins with the first match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on January 30 at 6 pm PKT. The second T20I will be played at the same venue on February 1, followed by the third and final match on February 2. These fixtures will mark Australia’s final on-field preparation before shifting full focus to the World Cup campaign.