Australia will kick off their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign without one of their most destructive batters, with captain Mitchell Marsh confirming that Tim David will miss the opening group clash against Ireland on Wednesday, February 11. The decision, Marsh said, has been taken with a long-term view in mind as the team manages David’s return from a recent hamstring injury.

Mitchell Marsh hints at Tim David’s return in coming games

Despite David looking fluent and powerful in training sessions in Colombo, Australia’s think-tank has chosen caution over urgency. The reigning champions are keen to ensure their premier finisher is fully fit when the tournament reaches its decisive stages, rather than risking an early recurrence. Addressing the media on the eve of the match, Marsh made it clear that David’s absence is temporary.

“We’ll certainly see him come back into contention over the next few games,” the skipper said during his pre-match press conference, offering reassurance to fans eager to see the six-hitting star in action.

Marsh explained that while David is close to match readiness, the medical staff advised against pushing him too soon. The batter has ticked most boxes in training but is being eased back to ensure he is operating at 100 percent when Australia need him most. Notably, David has not played a competitive match since Boxing Day last year, when he suffered the hamstring strain while representing the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL. The injury forced him to miss Australia’s T20 series in Pakistan, allowing him time to focus solely on rehabilitation.

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Since joining the World Cup squad in Sri Lanka last week, the 29-year-old has impressed behind the scenes. He has batted in nearly every training session, apart from one optional hit-out, and completed several running and fielding drills. On Tuesday, David was even seen sprinting between the wickets in full kit, a sign that his recovery is progressing smoothly.

Injury concerns linger for Australia

David is not the only fitness concern troubling the Australian camp. The 2021 champions are already without two senior fast bowlers, with Pat Cummins ruled out due to a back injury and Josh Hazlewood sidelined with an Achilles issue. There was, however, a boost for the side as Marsh confirmed Nathan Ellis has fully recovered from his hamstring niggle and is available to lead the pace attack. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa has also been cleared after overcoming a minor groin problem.

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