Australia have opted to rest five senior players, including captain Pat Cummins and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan as part of a broader workload-management strategy ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The decision was made by selectors on Monday, signalling Australia’s focus on fitness and readiness for the global event beginning on February 7.

Alongside Cummins and Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis will also sit out the series, which starts later this month.

Australian selectors emphasise load management ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Chief selector George Bailey explained that the absence of the five key players is primarily due to injury recovery and the need to manage workloads ahead of a demanding World Cup campaign in India and Sri Lanka.

“The five are either returning from injury or having their loads managed ahead of the T20 World Cup,” Bailey said, underlining the importance of ensuring players are at peak physical condition for the tournament. With back-to-back matches and travel across subcontinental conditions, Australia’s selectors appear determined to avoid burnout and last-minute fitness concerns.

The absence of several first-choice players has opened the door for a group of fringe and emerging cricketers to stake their claim. Sean Abbott, Mahli Beardman, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe and Matt Renshaw have all been included in the 17-man squad for the Pakistan tour.

Bailey described the series as a crucial platform for players on the cusp of national selection. “The series is a great opportunity for those on the brink of selection and some young players we rate highly for valuable experience,” he said. He also pointed out that several squad members already possess international exposure, while others have spent time around the national setup.

Australian selectors looking at youngsters to test the squad depth

Selectors are particularly keen to assess younger talents in match conditions against a strong Pakistan side at home. Mahli Beardman, who has trained with the senior group on multiple occasions, and Jack Edwards, who was part of the squad for the final ODI against India in Sydney last year, are among those expected to benefit from the extended run.

The strategy reflects Australia’s broader aim of building depth ahead of the World Cup, ensuring multiple options across batting, bowling, and all-round roles. With the condensed nature of T20 tournaments, having adaptable and match-ready replacements could prove decisive.

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Australia’s T20I tour of Pakistan: Schedule

Australia will face Pakistan in Lahore on January 29 and 31, before concluding the series on February 1. The tour serves as Australia’s final competitive assignment before they head to Sri Lanka, where they are scheduled to begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland in Colombo on February 11.

Australia squad for T20I series against Pakistan

The 17-player squad includes Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra picks Australia’s playing XI for the T20 World Cup 2026

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