Australia set to back injured stars in provisional T20 World Cup squad

Australia, it seems, will rely on the experience of the three players, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David, who will be very likely to be included in the provisional 15-man squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup despite the fact that there are worries regarding the fitness of the trio.

Of the three, Cummins is still the most uncertain player. The Australia captain hasn't been seen in the international arena since July when lumbar stress injury led to him being out of action. He first came back for the Adelaide Test during the Ashes and bowled with his usually high intensity but eventually the selectors decided to take no more risks and ruled him out for the rest of the series. Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that in four weeks, Cummins would be given another scan on his back and that a final decision would be made at that point. For the moment, he is still a part of the team that will be sent in ahead of the ICC deadline.

Hazlewood and Tim David are on the right track as Australia gets ready for the T20 World Cup opener 

Josh Hazlewood's case seems to be more positive. The leading pacer could not take part in the Ashes series at all because of his hamstring and Achilles issues, but he has started to bowl again and is doing well on the recovery path. Hazlewood was excellent in the last T20 series against India and is still a key player in Australia’s powerplay and death overs strategies. The team management is confident that the timelines are in his favor on the road to the World Cup.

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Middle-order enforcer Tim David is also racing against the clock. The 29-year-old sustained a grade-two right hamstring strain during his participation in the Big Bash League while playing for the Hobart Hurricanes, which has led to him being sidelined for the rest of the tournament. Nevertheless, his healing period gives hope to Australia that he will be ready for the world event.

Australia's World Cup journey starts on February 11 against Ireland, and then they face Zimbabwe, which gives room for some players to get extra days off if they need it for recovery. However, a three-match T20I series in Pakistan at the end of January will be the last preparation, even if it means several stars miss the BBL finals.