With the T20 World Cup just around the corner, Australia have made some bold choices that are already sparking debate among fans. On January 1, Cricket Australia announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, a tournament that will run from February 7 to March 8 and feature 20 teams competing across five venues in India and three in Sri Lanka.

The squad reflects a mix of experience and calculated risk. Notably, selectors have included senior fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, even though both are currently sidelined with injury-related issues. Their selection suggests confidence that they will recover in time and bring leadership and control to Australia’s pace attack in challenging subcontinental conditions.

The biggest talking point, however, is the absence of Mitchell Starc. The left-arm pacer is currently leading Australia’s bowling attack in the ongoing Ashes series against England, making his omission all the more surprising for fans. Mitchell Starc is also Australia’s joint second highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals, a record that naturally raised questions about why he was left out.

The reason lies in his international status. Mitchell Starc is no longer an active T20I player, having officially retired from the format on September 1, 2025. Over his T20I career from 2012 to 2024, he played 65 matches and claimed 79 wickets for Australia. While he will not feature in the World Cup, he is set to continue playing franchise cricket and will turn out for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.

Alongside Mitchell Starc, selectors also opted not to include Punjab Kings all-rounders Mitchell Owen and Ben Dwarshuis. Mitchell Owen was a key figure in Hobart Hurricanes’ maiden Big Bash League title win last season, a performance that earned him an IPL contract with PBKS and a national call-up. Ben Dwarshuis, meanwhile, was part of Australia’s most recent T20I series against India, where he impressed with his bowling.

Looking ahead to conditions in India and Sri Lanka, Australia have strengthened their spin resources. Spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly, who last played a T20I in July 2026 against the West Indies, has been named in the squad along with spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. With these selections, Australia appear focused on adaptability as they prepare for the global stage.

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