Australian selectors have unveiled their preliminary squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, with left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann emerging as the most unexpected inclusion. The 15-player group, announced ahead of the tournament in India and Sri Lanka, shows significant faith in the team's medical staff to have several key injured players ready for action.
Surprise Selection and Squad Balance
The selection panel, led by George Bailey, has delivered a major surprise by naming Kuhnemann, who has played just four T20 internationals since his debut in the West Indies in 2025. His best figures in the format remain 0-14, but his recent red-ball success on the Test tour of Sri Lanka and his style as a left-arm finger spinner have clearly impressed selectors eyeing the turning tracks of the subcontinent.
He joins fellow left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly, all-rounder Cameron Green, and Test captain Pat Cummins as players returning to the T20 setup. To make room, the unlucky trio of Mitch Owen, Sean Abbott, and Josh Philippe have been omitted. Philippe's exit leaves Josh Inglis as the sole specialist wicketkeeper in the travelling party.
Injury Concerns and Recovery Timelines
Selectors have taken a calculated risk by including several stars currently managing injuries. Pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood, who missed the entire Ashes series with an Achilles issue, and power-hitter Tim David, recovering from a hamstring strain, are both named with the expectation they will be fully fit.
Captain Pat Cummins, who hasn't played a T20 international since the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean, has also been included despite being rested from the final two Ashes Tests to manage a pre-existing injury. Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed earlier this week the team is hopeful all three will be available.
"This is a preliminary squad so should changes need to be made they will be ahead of the support period," chief selector George Bailey stated, leaving the door open for replacements if necessary.
Tournament Schedule and New Faces
The World Cup begins on February 7, with Australia launching their campaign against Ireland in Colombo on February 11. They will also face Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Oman in the group stage.
Alongside Kuhnemann, paceman Xavier Bartlett, versatile batsman Matt Short, and all-rounder Cooper Connolly are all in line to make their World Cup debuts. White-ball stalwart Adam Zampa remains the squad's other frontline spin option.
"The T20 side has enjoyed a long run of recent success which enabled the panel to choose a balance of players across the variety of conditions Sri Lanka and India may present," Bailey explained regarding the squad's composition.
A separate Australian squad will be named for a three-match T20 series against Pakistan that serves as a warm-up for the global tournament.
Australia's Preliminary T20 World Cup Squad: Mitch Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
