Australia's preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup have hit a significant hurdle, with men's chief selector George Bailey confirming that captain Pat
Cummins is unlikely to feature in the early matches of the tournament.
Cummins is still recovering from a lumbar bone stress injury - microfractures in the lower spine caused by the repeated load of fast bowling - which he sustained ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes. The injury forced him out of four of the five Tests in the marquee series.
Despite undergoing an intense rehabilitation program during the Ashes, Cummins managed only a brief return in the third Test in Adelaide, where he impressed with a six-wicket haul. However, the comeback lasted just one match as he was sidelined again for the final two Tests.
Bailey had earlier indicated cautious optimism that Cummins might be available for the World Cup, which begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. But he has now provided a clearer timeline while explaining the fast bowler's exclusion from Australia's T20I squad to face Pakistan.
"[David] had a very minor setback (for hamstring injury recovery), I think last week, so didn't quite get through a running session that he was hoping to, but has since been cleared of any damage," Bailey said while discussing Tim David's absence. "It was just, I think, on the back of a heavy week. So he's still tracking for the start of the tournament. Josh is in the same boat and Pat's a little bit different . he'll probably join that World Cup group a little bit later in the tournament, around game three or four. "
Bailey further emphasised that the team management is determined to give Cummins the maximum recovery window, especially considering his long, interrupted history with back-related issues. "If we can, absolutely, that's the plan," he noted. "Clearly, if something moves and we're forced to cover that, we will, but, yes, hopefully all things being equal, that'll be how that one plays out. "
Cummins' delayed arrival mirrors Travis Head's late entry into the 2023 ODI World Cup, a move that ultimately paid dividends. Australia will now hope for a similar outcome as they manage their captain's fitness with long-term stability in mind.
