Australia is in a tough situation despite being one of the favorites to win the T20 World Cup 2026 edition. Even before the tournament began, they’ve been dealing with injuries and have been uncertain whether some of their star players will be able to play any World Cup match.

Despite these challenges, Australia remains hopeful that it’ll pull through this year. In a recent interview, Nathan Ellis said that the team’s attack should still be able to carry them to victory.

Well, we’re still only a few days away from when the Men’s World Cup started, so it’s still hard to say how likely they’ll even come close to the semi-finals. But for curious fans out there, let’s go over Australia’s injuries and how their first match of the World Cup went.

How’s Australia Doing So Far?

Australia’s preparation has been shaky. While they haven't played their official first match of the tournament yet (scheduled for February 11 against Ireland), their recent warm-up form has been a cause for concern. 

They’ve played a three-match series against Pakistan just before arriving in Sri Lanka. Without Ellis, Cummins, or Hazlewood, they were whitewashed 3-0. So, it does look like they might struggle this year. However, many are still saying the team shouldn’t be underestimated.

After all, they’re still part of the Big Three race alongside India and England. Despite the missing pace bowlers, Australia’s real strength lies in their batting and world-class all-rounders like Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. So, for fans looking to bet with 10CRIC, the Australian team is still worth considering.

The Injury Ward: Breaking Down the Impact

So, which Australian cricketers are likely not gracing the T20 Men’s World Cup scene this year? Do any of them still have the chance to participate? Let’s take a closer look.

Pat Cummins (Back Injury)

The biggest blow to the Australian camp is the loss of Pat Cummins. Unfortunately, the star fast bowler and Test and ODI captain have been officially ruled out of the entire T20 World Cup 2026.

Cummins has been struggling with a lumbar stress injury in his lower back. This is a recurring issue that first flared up during the tour of the West Indies last July. He tried to push through it to play in the Ashes, but after managing only one Test match in mid-December, his back finally gave way.

Josh Hazlewood (Achilles & Hamstring)

In a double whammy for the bowling attack, Josh Hazlewood was also ruled out just days before the tournament began. Hazlewood has been fighting a two-front battle with his body. He initially suffered a hamstring tear during a Sheffield Shield match in November.

While recovering from that, he developed Achilles tendonitis, an injury that is notoriously difficult for fast bowlers because of the pressure put on the foot during delivery.

Selectors were hopeful he would be fit for the Super 8 stage, but on February 6, they confirmed he wouldn't recover in time. Like Cummins, the risk of a long-term injury was too high to rush him back.

Nathan Ellis (Hamstring Strain)

Unlike Cummins and Hazlewood, there is some positive news regarding Nathan Ellis. While he has been dealing with an injury, he is expected to lead the bowling attack. Ellis suffered a hamstring strain while bowling for the Hobart Hurricanes during the Big Bash League (BBL) in late January.

The injury was serious enough to rule him out of the BBL finals and kept him out of Australia’s recent warm-up series against Pakistan. But as of February 9, Ellis has declared himself ready. He recently completed a high-intensity training session in Colombo, bowling five overs at full pace.

Tim David (Hamstring Tendon)

While the news for the bowlers has been bad, there is a small glimmer of hope for Australia’s power-hitter, Tim David.

David is currently with the squad in Sri Lanka but is being managed very carefully. He suffered a hamstring strain during the Big Bash League (BBL) that forced him to miss the recent series against Pakistan.

In recent interviews, David hinted that he might miss the entire group stage. The team management wants to save him for the knockout rounds, as they don't want to risk him re-injuring himself on the soft, sandy outfields in Colombo. He is training and hitting sixes in the nets, but he isn't 100% fit to sprint yet.

Conclusion

So, what is the final word on Australia’s chances?

Losing three of the best fast bowlers in the world would indeed ruin most teams. However, it’s been known that Australia plays its best cricket when its back is against the wall. That said, they’re still very much in the hunt, and their opponents shouldn’t underestimate them.