Australia National Cricket Team have suffered another blow to their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after fast bowler Nathan Ellis sustained a hamstring injury during the ongoing Big Bash League. The injury has cast doubt over Ellis’s availability for the global tournament, which begins on February 7, 2026. The right-arm pacer has been one of the standout performers in the BBL this season, claiming 14 wickets in nine matches at an economy rate of 9.03.
Australia’s fast-bowling resources are already under strain, with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins also managing fitness concerns. Hazlewood, who missed the Ashes and hasn’t featured for the team since November last year, is expected to regain full fitness ahead of the World Cup, while Cummins is awaited to return to the squad later in the tournament.
Ellis will be rested for Australia’s upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan starting January 29, alongside Tim David, Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, and Cummins. All five players are included in Australia’s provisional World Cup squad and are either recovering from injuries or having their workloads closely monitored.
Former T20 World Cup champions Australia will use the Pakistan series as part of their build-up for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Australia is placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe.
Provisional Australian squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), 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
