Australia announce spin-heavy squad for T20 World Cup

The tournament begins on 7 February, and Australia will open their campaign against Ireland in Colombo on 11 February. With spin-friendly pitches expected, selectors have opted for a spin-heavy line-up.

Mitchell Marsh will captain the side, which features a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talent. Pat Cummins, who played only one of the five Ashes Tests due to a lower back injury, leads the fast-bowling unit alongside Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, and Xavier Bartlett.

Both Cummins and Hazlewood have injury concerns, with Cummins due for a scan later in January to assess his fitness for the World Cup.

Australia have bolstered their spin options with Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell, and two left-arm spinners, Matt Kuhnemann and Cooper Connolly, to exploit the turning conditions.

Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis will provide additional right-arm pace while also contributing with the bat. Tim David, sidelined recently with a hamstring injury, is expected to be ready, while wicketkeeper Josh Inglis remains the sole option behind the stumps, with no backup selected.

The squad reflects a clear strategy to dominate on Sri Lanka's spin-friendly pitches, though there is no left-arm pace replacement for retired star Mitchell Starc.

A separate squad will be named for a T20 series against Pakistan prior to the World Cup, giving selectors a chance to finalise combinations ahead of the tournament. 

Squad: Mitchell Marsh (capt), 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

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