Australia are expected to stick with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David in their T20 World Cup plans despite injury concerns surrounding the trio. With the provisional squad deadline approaching, selectors remain confident that all three players can be fit in time for the tournament in Sri Lanka and India.

Cummins is set to be named in Australia’s initial 15-man squad, although a final decision on his availability will be taken closer to the World Cup. The fast bowler has played only one international match since suffering a lumbar stress injury in July, returning briefly for the Adelaide Testbefore being rested again as part of a cautious recovery plan. He is scheduled to undergo further scans on his back in four weeks to assess his readiness.

Tim David’s place in the plans has also been retained despite a recent setback.The big-hitting batter picked up a grade two right hamstring strainduring a Big Bash League match on Boxing Day, ruling him out for the remainder of the BBL with Hobart Hurricanes. However, his rehabilitation timeline suggests he should be available for selection when the World Cup begins in early February.

Hazlewood has made steady progress in his own recovery, having resumed runningafter dealing with a hamstring injury and Achilles soreness.Team management remain optimistic about his availability, with his rehabilitation tracking well ahead of the tournament.

Australia’s group-stage schedule could further ease the pressure on returning players. Their opening World Cup match is on February 11, with Ireland and Zimbabwe first up, before a meeting with Sri Lanka on February 16. That buffer could allow extra recovery time, particularly for David.

The provisional squad, due to be submitted before the ICC deadline on January 2, may still change depending on Big Bash League form or any fresh injury concerns. Australia are also scheduled to play three T20Is in Pakistan in late January as part of their build-up, a tour that could see several World Cup-bound players miss some or all of the BBL finals.