Cummins, Hazlewood to miss Pakistan series, World Cup inclusion subject to fitness

Australia’s build-up to the T20 World Cup, which includes the three-match T20I series against Pakistan in January, will see several top players missing out. Due to injury management ahead of the mega-event, pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are unlikely to be part of the series, while Tim David’s availability remains in doubt as well.

Cummins likely to play latter stage of T20 WC

Cummins, who recovered from a lumbar stress injury, has only played one Ashes game since his return. In a bid to be extra cautious with him, the fast bowler might only be called on to play the latter stage of the T20 World Cup.

"I don’t think they [Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood] will be available for the Pakistan series, but I think both should be online [for the World Cup]," Bailey said at the SCG. "Patty might be a bit later; that might be a similar sort of situation to Travis Head in the 50-over World Cup, where there's an entry point at some point. Hopefully we can manage and carry a squad until that point.”

Bailey hopes for Hazlewood to be fit

On the other hand, Hazlewood, who continues his recovery from an Achilles issue, and David, who hurt his hamstring during a BBL game, remain in contention for the entire mega-event.

“I think Hoff [Josh Hazlewood] should be right by the start; I think Tim David should be right by the start,” Bailey said.

Australia have a lot to put to the test during the Pakistan series, particularly their fast bowling options in case either Hazlewood or Cummins doesn’t cut it.

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