The injuries to their key players have affected the Australia T20 squad for World Cup 2026, set to take place from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka. The development has resulted in Australia bowling lineup being less competitive as compared to the last few editions. The lineup has the presence of Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood (doubtful), Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Matthew Kuhnemann and Adam Zampa. Other than Hazlewood and Zampa, none of the bowlers hold the reputation of winning the title for the winner of the 2021 edition. Let’s take a look at who among the key bowlers are struggling from injuries in the Australia T20 squad for World Cup 2026.

Absence of Australia Bowling Trio Will Be Detrimental for T20 World Cup

Pat Cummins

Test and ODI skipper Pat Cummins has not been named in the squad for the T20 World Cup due to his back injury sustained during the Caribbean Tour in July 2025. He then underwent rehabilitation in the next few months to only appear in a solitary game in the Ashes 2025-26.

Pat Cummins admits a desire to be right for the jam-packed Test schedule is part of the reason why he’ll miss the T20 World Cup: https://t.co/aN9oJtRr4T pic.twitter.com/cUzphOoGzQ

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 3, 2026

The reason behind him playing only a single Ashes game, where he took six wickets, was to manage his workload ahead of the T20 World Cup. The team management also didn’t wanted to risk his long-term prospects, given he has endured back issues in the last few years. As per Cummins, he needs a few weeks to fully recover from the injury, and is targeting his return in the Indian Premier League, where he will lead the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Nine hat-tricks so far in T20 World Cup history, with eight of them coming in the last three editions! 💫🔥

Pat Cummins is the only player with two hat-tricks in the tournament! 🇦🇺✨#T20WorldCup #PatCummins #Cricket #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/Z3StIm3fkJ

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 5, 2026

Cummins would have been one of the key players among Australia T20 squad for World Cup 2026. This is due to his contribution in both departments, having a knack for picking consistent wickets in any phase of the game and providing lusty shots with the bat. His leadership in crunch moments could also have been crucial for skipper Mitchell Marsh.

Josh Hazlewood

Another key part of the Australia bowling trio, Josh Hazlewood missed the entire Ashes 2025-26 due to a hamstring strain and then suffered an Achilles injury on his road to recovery.

Josh Hazlewood could miss the early stages of the T20 World Cup as he will remain in Sydney to continue his rehabilitation from an Achilles issue with Sean Abbott added to Australia’s squad as a travelling reserve pic.twitter.com/EGJmARN8YM

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 2, 2026

Since the last six weeks, Hazlewood has been rehabbing to return for the T20 World Cup. However, his recovery will take more time, as he is not expected to take part in the group stage of the marquee event. As a result, Australia will start the tournament with 14 players.

Josh Hazlewood could miss the early part of #T20WorldCup

🩺 To remain in Sydney for Achilles rehab
🔁 Sean Abbott added as travelling reserve
✈️ Maxwell, Ellis & Tim David to join in Colombo
❓ Hazlewood in doubt for Feb 11 opener vs Ireland pic.twitter.com/popWA4mqjV

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) February 2, 2026

Hazlewood will be crucial with the new ball, as he can swing the ball both ways and can contain runs in the death overs. He is the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the format for the side with 79 scalps. Notably, the right-arm pacer took 11 wickets to help the Men in Yellow to win the title in 2021.

Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc retired from the T20I format to extend his Test career and be fully fit until the 2027 ODI World Cup. With 79 wickets in T20Is, he has been a key force in the Australia bowling lineup in the last few years and led the side to victories on numerous occasions.

Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from international T20s: https://t.co/ftVAx6Oh4X pic.twitter.com/RdOmoWveSh

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 2, 2025

Starc’s searing yorkers and in-swing deliveries will be missed by the Australian team, as it has helped the side to secure crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay and gain an advantage early in the game.

Australia’s Bowling Woes Affected Them in Pakistan Series

Australia were completely outplayed by Pakistan in their recent T20I series ahead of the World Cup, losing by 3-0. The absence of the Australia bowling trio certainly hurt them, as the Men in Green posted 165+ run totals on three occasions. The two of those games witnessed Pakistan scoring 198 and 207, and winning by 90 and 111 runs, respectively.

Pakistan have beaten Australia in a T20I for the 1st time in 𝟐𝟔𝟓𝟎 days 🤯#PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/ANsC1vOg4c

— Sport360° (@Sport360) January 29, 2026

Adam Zampa was the best performer in the Australia bowling lineup with five scalps in three games. However, other pacers failed to secure enough breakthroughs and put brakes on the opposition. Xavier Bartlett took three wickets in two appearances, but held an economy of 9.75. Meanwhile, Ben Dwarshuis played only a solitary game, finishing with figures of 2/39 off his four overs.

SERIES SWEEP SECURED OVER AUSTRALIA 🇵🇰💪🇦🇺#PAKvAUS | #MateWeAreReady | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/3dg3y0ynF2

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2026

Overall, Australia lacks experience in the fast bowling department, which could have a significant impact, despite the pitches suiting the spinners.

Australia’s Opponents in Group Stage of 2026 T20 World Cup

Australia are placed alongside Oman, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Ireland in Group B. All their Group stage games will be played in Sri Lanka, which will witness the spinners holding an upper hand due to assistance from the surface.

The Australia T20 squad for World Cup 2026 has the services of Glenn Maxwell and Cooper Connolly, who could be useful spinners in the middle overs. Along with containing the run rate, they will look to secure breakthroughs to put the opposition under pressure. Meanwhile, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green will be the pace bowling options until Josh Hazlewood arrives.

Australia’s final 15-member squad for the #T20WorldCup is locked-in 🔒

Details: https://t.co/KwfZ1QL5yD pic.twitter.com/fuq4Z1X7xT

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 31, 2026

Apart from having a close game against Sri Lanka, Australia are likely to win their remaining three games and advance to the next stage. However, Ireland and Zimbabwe are known to surprise opponents, and the 2026 T20 World Cup might be a perfect stage for them to cause an upset. With a less competitive pace bowling attack and above average spin attack, Australia will have a task cut out, as they try to navigate through the challenges successfully.