Steve Smith’s dream of playing at the 2026 T20 World Cup has come true after he was asked to fly to Sri Lanka as a cover for team captain Mitchell Marsh, who was ruled out of the opener against Ireland with a groin injury he suffered in the nets, which later led to testicular bleeding. Although Marsh attended the pre-match presser on Tuesday (Feb 10), the news of him missing out on Australia's tournament opener came just 15 minutes before the toss, with his opening partner, Travis Head, coming out with the teamsheet.&nbsp;A Cricket Australia (CA) statement detailed the reason behind Marsh’s absence, while announcing Steve Smith as a cover, should he be required.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-has-colombo-advantage-ryan-ten-doeschate-welcomes-u-turn-but-warns-india-of-tough-t20-world-cup-clash-feb-15-colombo-1770789110788">‘Pakistan has Colombo advantage’: Ten Doeschate welcomes U-turn but warns India of tough T20 World Cup clash</a> &nbsp;"He [Marsh] is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort, which is restricting his movement," a CA statement said. "Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding, and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice. "Standby player Steven Smith will travel to Sri Lanka as cover to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required,” it continued. &nbsp;Marsh’s absence forced Australia to pick the playing XI out of just 12 players, with no Tim David available for selection for the Ireland game, as earlier announced by Marsh. While David was held back for the Zimbabwe game on Friday after he suffered a hamstring injury, which ended his BBL 15 run, Australia has yet to announce seamer Josh Hazlewood’s replacement, who was also ruled out of the tournament just at the cusp of it. &nbsp;Seamer Sean Abbott is, however, part of the travelling reserve and not the main squad.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, Steve Smith’s return to the T20I side is a welcoming move, rewarding the veteran batter for his glorious T20 form, the result of which was his team’s success in the concluded Big Bash League season. Having last played a T20I in 2024, Smith shone for Sydney Sixers in BBL 15, hitting 299 runs, including a hundred and a fifty and striking at over 167 in six innings.&nbsp;<h3>Australia bat first against Ireland</h3>After winning the toss, the stand-in skipper, Travis Head, elected to bat first, with Australia completing 100 inside 12 overs for the loss of four wickets.&nbsp; &nbsp;After Head’s early dismissal on just six, opener Josh Inglis and Cameron Green added 49 for the second wicket. Two quick wickets and that of all-rounder Glenn Maxwell later put Australia’s back against the wall.&nbsp;

A Cricket Australia (CA) statement detailed the reason behind Marsh’s absence, while announcing Steve Smith as a cover, should he be required. 

Steve Smith’s dream of playing at the 2026 T20 World Cup has come true after he was asked to fly to Sri Lanka as a cover for team captain Mitchell Marsh, who was ruled out of the opener against Ireland with a groin injury he suffered in the nets, which later led to testicular bleeding. Although Marsh attended the pre-match presser on Tuesday (Feb 10), the news of him missing out on Australia's tournament opener came just 15 minutes before the toss, with his opening partner, Travis Head, coming out with the teamsheet. A Cricket Australia (CA) statement detailed the reason behind Marsh’s absence, while announcing Steve Smith as a cover, should he be required. Also read | ‘Pakistan has Colombo advantage’: Ten Doeschate welcomes U-turn but warns India of tough T20 World Cup clash "He [Marsh] is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort, which is restricting his movement," a CA statement said. "Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding, and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice. "Standby player Steven Smith will travel to Sri Lanka as cover to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required,” it continued. Marsh’s absence forced Australia to pick the playing XI out of just 12 players, with no Tim David available for selection for the Ireland game, as earlier announced by Marsh. While David was held back for the Zimbabwe game on Friday after he suffered a hamstring injury, which ended his BBL 15 run, Australia has yet to announce seamer Josh Hazlewood’s replacement, who was also ruled out of the tournament just at the cusp of it. Seamer Sean Abbott is, however, part of the travelling reserve and not the main squad. Meanwhile, Steve Smith’s return to the T20I side is a welcoming move, rewarding the veteran batter for his glorious T20 form, the result of which was his team’s success in the concluded Big Bash League season. Having last played a T20I in 2024, Smith shone for Sydney Sixers in BBL 15, hitting 299 runs, including a hundred and a fifty and striking at over 167 in six innings. Australia bat first against Ireland After winning the toss, the stand-in skipper, Travis Head, elected to bat first, with Australia completing 100 inside 12 overs for the loss of four wickets. After Head’s early dismissal on just six, opener Josh Inglis and Cameron Green added 49 for the second wicket. Two quick wickets and that of all-rounder Glenn Maxwell later put Australia’s back against the wall.

A Cricket Australia (CA) statement detailed the reason behind Marsh’s absence, while announcing Steve Smith as a cover, should he be required.&nbsp;

T20 World Cup: Steve Smith to join Australia squad as Mitchell Marsh out of opener vs Ireland

With less than a month to go before the start of the 2026 T20 World Cup, teams across the globe are getting ready to put together the final pieces in the puzzle. As the likes of India, Australia, South Africa, and other big nations look to win the T20 World Cup 2026, there will be some who will look to make their mark. Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, here are all the details of the squads, including India, Australia and others.<h2>Group A</h2>India:&nbsp;Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.&nbsp;USA:&nbsp;To be announced&nbsp;Namibia:&nbsp;Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green, Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Malan Kruger, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, JC Balt, Dylan Leicher, WP Myburgh, Max Heingo.&nbsp;Reserve:&nbsp;Alexander Volschenk.&nbsp;Netherlands:&nbsp;Scott Edwards (c), Colin Ackermann, Noah Croes, Bas de Leede, Aryan Dutt, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Max O'Dowd, Logan van Beek, Timm van der Gugten, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, Saqib Zulfiqar.&nbsp;Pakistan:&nbsp;To be announced<h2>Group B</h2>Australia [provisional squad]:&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Sri Lanka [preliminary squad]:&nbsp;Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Traveen Mathew.&nbsp;Zimbabwe:&nbsp;Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor.&nbsp;Ireland:&nbsp;Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.&nbsp;Oman:&nbsp;Jatinder Singh (c), Vinayak Shukla, Mohammad Nadeem, Shakeel Ahmad, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Shah Faisal, Nadeem Khan, Sufyan Mehmood, Jay Odedra, Shafiq Jan, Ashish Odedara, Jiten Ramanandi, Hasnain Ali Shah.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a><h2>Group C</h2>England [Provisional Squad]:&nbsp;Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood.&nbsp;West Indies:&nbsp;To be announced&nbsp;Bangladesh:&nbsp;Litton Das (C), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shaif Uddin, Shoriful Islam.&nbsp;Italy:&nbsp;To be announced&nbsp;Nepal:&nbsp;Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Sundeep Jora, Aarif Sheikh, Basir Ahamad, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Gulshan Jha, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sher Malla, Lokesh Bam.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a><h2>Group D</h2>South Africa:&nbsp;Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje.&nbsp;New Zealand:&nbsp;Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi&nbsp;Reserve:&nbsp;Kyle Jamieson.&nbsp;Afghanistan:&nbsp;Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen Ul Haq, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran.&nbsp;Reserves:&nbsp;AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.&nbsp;Canada:&nbsp;Dilpreet Bajwa (C), Ajayveer Hundal, Ansh Patel, Dilon Heyliger, Harsh Thaker, Jaskarandeep Buttar, Kaleem Sana, Kanwarpal Tathgur, Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicholas Kirton, Ravinderpal Singh, Saad Bin Zafar, Shivam Sharma, Shreyas Movva, Yuvraj Samra.&nbsp;UAE:&nbsp;To be announced

As the likes of India, Australia, South Africa, and other big nations look to win the T20 World Cup 2026, there will be some who will look to make their mark. Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, here are all the details of the squads, including India, Australia and others.

With less than a month to go before the start of the 2026 T20 World Cup, teams across the globe are getting ready to put together the final pieces in the puzzle. As the likes of India, Australia, South Africa, and other big nations look to win the T20 World Cup 2026, there will be some who will look to make their mark. Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, here are all the details of the squads, including India, Australia and others. Group A India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh. USA: To be announced Namibia: Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green, Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Malan Kruger, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, JC Balt, Dylan Leicher, WP Myburgh, Max Heingo. Reserve: Alexander Volschenk. Netherlands: Scott Edwards (c), Colin Ackermann, Noah Croes, Bas de Leede, Aryan Dutt, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Max O'Dowd, Logan van Beek, Timm van der Gugten, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, Saqib Zulfiqar. Pakistan: To be announced Group B Australia [provisional 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. Sri Lanka [preliminary squad]: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Traveen Mathew. Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor. Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young. Oman: Jatinder Singh (c), Vinayak Shukla, Mohammad Nadeem, Shakeel Ahmad, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Shah Faisal, Nadeem Khan, Sufyan Mehmood, Jay Odedra, Shafiq Jan, Ashish Odedara, Jiten Ramanandi, Hasnain Ali Shah. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Group C England [Provisional Squad]: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood. West Indies: To be announced Bangladesh: Litton Das (C), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shaif Uddin, Shoriful Islam. Italy: To be announced Nepal: Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Sundeep Jora, Aarif Sheikh, Basir Ahamad, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Gulshan Jha, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sher Malla, Lokesh Bam. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Group D South Africa: Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje. New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi Reserve: Kyle Jamieson. Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen Ul Haq, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran. Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi. Canada: Dilpreet Bajwa (C), Ajayveer Hundal, Ansh Patel, Dilon Heyliger, Harsh Thaker, Jaskarandeep Buttar, Kaleem Sana, Kanwarpal Tathgur, Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicholas Kirton, Ravinderpal Singh, Saad Bin Zafar, Shivam Sharma, Shreyas Movva, Yuvraj Samra. UAE: To be announced

As the likes of India, Australia, South Africa, and other big nations look to win the T20 World Cup 2026, there will be some who will look to make their mark. Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, here are all the details of the squads, including India, Australia and others.

T20 World Cup 2026: Here's all you need to know about squads, captains and other key details

Former Australia Test team captain has praised star bowler Mitchell Starc as he prepares for the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. Starc along with Pat Cummins will lead Australia's bowling unit during the T20 World Cup as they bid to become the first team to be the defending champions in all three formats of the game.

<h2>Paine praises Starc</h2>

"He realised that with international cricket, you are going to get picked apart in the middle. But I think he nailed it. His record in the first overs of big games is amazing. He has done it at the MCG, we will never forget that. He knocked down Brendon McCullum. He has done that time and time again," Paine said.

"I think he is a victim of his own really high standards. People expect absolute brilliance from him every time he walks onto the field. And more often than not, he has produced... When he is on, he is as good as any other player who has ever played cricket, and he is gonna be a huge weapon in this coming World Cup again," Paine added.

Starc had a fruitful Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) campaign as he helped Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) win their third title. The speedster was at his&nbsp;best during the tournament and bagged 17 wickets in 14 matches. He was also awarded Player of the Match in the final having ended with figures of 14/2 in three overs. He was the standout bowler in the final and put SunRisers Hyderabad on the backfoot during his spell. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/i-dont-care-rajasthan-royals-batter-riyan-parag-opens-up-on-india-selection-727135">'I don't care...,' Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag opens up on India selection</a>

Australia are placed in Group B where they will face defending champions England, Namibia, Scotland and Oman. The 2021 champions will start their T20 World Cup campaign against Oman on June 5 in Barbados.

Australia squad:&nbsp;Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Travelling Reserves:&nbsp;Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Short

Former Australia Test team captain has praised star bowler Mitchell Starc as he prepares for the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. Starc along with Pat Cummins will lead Australia's bowling unit during the T20 World Cup as they bid to become the first team to be the defending champions in all three formats of the game.

Former Australia Test team captain has praised star bowler Mitchell Starc as he prepares for the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. Starc along with Pat Cummins will lead Australia's bowling unit during the T20 World Cup as they bid to become the first team to be the defending champions in all three formats of the game. Paine praises Starc "He realised that with international cricket, you are going to get picked apart in the middle. But I think he nailed it. His record in the first overs of big games is amazing. He has done it at the MCG, we will never forget that. He knocked down Brendon McCullum. He has done that time and time again," Paine said. "I think he is a victim of his own really high standards. People expect absolute brilliance from him every time he walks onto the field. And more often than not, he has produced... When he is on, he is as good as any other player who has ever played cricket, and he is gonna be a huge weapon in this coming World Cup again," Paine added. Starc had a fruitful Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) campaign as he helped Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) win their third title. The speedster was at his best during the tournament and bagged 17 wickets in 14 matches. He was also awarded Player of the Match in the final having ended with figures of 14/2 in three overs. He was the standout bowler in the final and put SunRisers Hyderabad on the backfoot during his spell. ALSO READ | 'I don't care...,' Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag opens up on India selection Australia are placed in Group B where they will face defending champions England, Namibia, Scotland and Oman. The 2021 champions will start their T20 World Cup campaign against Oman on June 5 in Barbados. Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa Travelling Reserves: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Short

T20 World Cup 2024: Tim Paine heaps praise at 'match-winner' Mitchell Starc, says 'he is a victim of...'

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has backed the high-risk approach of star man Travis Head as they prepare for the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. Head, who had a superb Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) season for SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) has endured a reputation for a hard-hitting opener in the T20 format. While he was superb with Abhishek Sharma at the top for SRH, he will now partner David Warner in the Australian set-up at the opening slot.

<h2>Clarke backs Travis Head</h2>

"I think it's the way he plays. Travis Head has certainly made a conscious effort to be more aggressive, even in Test cricket. So I think when you play like that, you're always going to take more risks and in this format, T20, he is opening the batting, he knows how important the first 6 overs are," Clarke said while speaking to Espncricinfo.

"You know, it is maximum risk, maximum reward. I wouldn't be too concerned about him not making as many runs as we would like... I would rather see him get a duck than a 20-ball-10. When you are batting in that position, get him or get out," he&nbsp;added.

Australia are one of the favourites to win the T20 World Cup and will play under the services of Head who scored 567 runs in the IPL 2024. During the 15 matches of the IPL Head and Abhishek Sharma helped SRH break several records and helped the side reach the IPL final. However, Head had an off day in the final as he was dismissed for a golden duck resulting in a slow start for SRH. The South Indian side would later lose the IPL final to Kolkata Knight Riders.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-virat-kohli-recalls-wc-debut-in-2011-says-nervousness-helped-him-to-be-aware-and-alert-727053">T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli recalls WC debut in 2011, says 'nervousness helped him to be aware and alert'</a>

Australia are placed in Group B where they will face defending champions England, Namibia, Scotland and Oman. The 2021 champions will start their T20 World Cup campaign against Oman on June 5 in Barbados.

<h2>Australia T20 World Cup squad</h2>

Squad:&nbsp;Mitch Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.&nbsp;Travelling reserves:&nbsp;Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Short

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has backed the high-risk approach of star man Travis Head as they prepare for the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has backed the high-risk approach of star man Travis Head as they prepare for the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. Head, who had a superb Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) season for SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) has endured a reputation for a hard-hitting opener in the T20 format. While he was superb with Abhishek Sharma at the top for SRH, he will now partner David Warner in the Australian set-up at the opening slot. Clarke backs Travis Head "I think it's the way he plays. Travis Head has certainly made a conscious effort to be more aggressive, even in Test cricket. So I think when you play like that, you're always going to take more risks and in this format, T20, he is opening the batting, he knows how important the first 6 overs are," Clarke said while speaking to Espncricinfo. "You know, it is maximum risk, maximum reward. I wouldn't be too concerned about him not making as many runs as we would like... I would rather see him get a duck than a 20-ball-10. When you are batting in that position, get him or get out," he added. Australia are one of the favourites to win the T20 World Cup and will play under the services of Head who scored 567 runs in the IPL 2024. During the 15 matches of the IPL Head and Abhishek Sharma helped SRH break several records and helped the side reach the IPL final. However, Head had an off day in the final as he was dismissed for a golden duck resulting in a slow start for SRH. The South Indian side would later lose the IPL final to Kolkata Knight Riders. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli recalls WC debut in 2011, says 'nervousness helped him to be aware and alert' Australia are placed in Group B where they will face defending champions England, Namibia, Scotland and Oman. The 2021 champions will start their T20 World Cup campaign against Oman on June 5 in Barbados. Australia T20 World Cup squad Squad: Mitch Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserves: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Short

'I would rather see him get a duck': Michael Clarke backs Travis Head's high-risk approach ahead of T20 WC

Australia&nbsp;are all&nbsp;set to include Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short in their T20 World Cup reserve contingent as they prepare to clinch yet another International Cricket Council (ICC) silverware. According to credible reports, the&nbsp;selection panel led by George Bailey will include Fraser-McGurk&nbsp;who&nbsp;was a revolution for the Delhi Capitals in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). Fraser-McGurk’s explosive form&nbsp;was praised&nbsp;by everyone but was not enough to get him a place in Australia’s 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup.

<h2>Reprieve for Fraser-McGurk?</h2>

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the 22-year-old will be in the USA and West Indies with the squad but only as a travel reserve.&nbsp;This&nbsp;will mean he won’t be able to participate in any official contest either as a player or a substitute. However, he could be part of the training sessions and&nbsp;can&nbsp;travel with the rest of the squad.&nbsp;The report also sees Matt Short&nbsp;being&nbsp;the other player part&nbsp;of the travel reserve and could be a value addition if there is any late casualty in the squad.&nbsp;

For Fraser-McGurk, IPL 2024 proved to be the breakthrough season&nbsp;having&nbsp;scored&nbsp;330 runs in nine matches.&nbsp;He was only roped in as a late change after Lungi Ngidi pulled out due to injury for DC in the IPL 2024. Considering he&nbsp;was only roped in&nbsp;for a base value of $24,000, it&nbsp;proved to be&nbsp;a bargain for DC&nbsp;who&nbsp;narrowly missed out on the IPL 2024 Playoffs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-playoffs-2024-kkr-vs-srk-qualifier-may-21-rr-vs-rcb-eliminator-may-22-ahmedabad-723181">IPL Playoffs 2024: KKR vs SRH in first qualifier &amp; RR vs RCB in eliminator</a>

While Matt Short has already represented Australia in nine T20I matches with a best of 66 runs with the bat. He will primarily&nbsp;serve as&nbsp;a backup to Glenn Maxwell&nbsp;as&nbsp;he also bowls whenever required.

Short had a breakout season in the Big Bash League 2022-23&nbsp;that saw him win the Player of the Tournament Award after being the competitions leading run-scorer. He followed that up the next season, again making the most runs and going back-to-back in the Player of the Tournament Award.

Australia open their T20 World Cup campaign against Oman in Barbados on June 5, before Group B fixtures against England, Namibia and Scotland.

<h2>Australia squad:</h2>

Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

All teams are allowed to make changes to their squad until 25 May, after which any alteration will require approval from ICC's Event Technical Committee.

Australia are all set to include Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short in their T20 World Cup reserve contingent as they prepare to clinch yet another International Cricket Council (ICC) silverware.

Australia are all set to include Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short in their T20 World Cup reserve contingent as they prepare to clinch yet another International Cricket Council (ICC) silverware. According to credible reports, the selection panel led by George Bailey will include Fraser-McGurk who was a revolution for the Delhi Capitals in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). Fraser-McGurk’s explosive form was praised by everyone but was not enough to get him a place in Australia’s 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup. Reprieve for Fraser-McGurk? According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the 22-year-old will be in the USA and West Indies with the squad but only as a travel reserve. This will mean he won’t be able to participate in any official contest either as a player or a substitute. However, he could be part of the training sessions and can travel with the rest of the squad. The report also sees Matt Short being the other player part of the travel reserve and could be a value addition if there is any late casualty in the squad. For Fraser-McGurk, IPL 2024 proved to be the breakthrough season having scored 330 runs in nine matches. He was only roped in as a late change after Lungi Ngidi pulled out due to injury for DC in the IPL 2024. Considering he was only roped in for a base value of $24,000, it proved to be a bargain for DC who narrowly missed out on the IPL 2024 Playoffs. ALSO READ | IPL Playoffs 2024: KKR vs SRH in first qualifier & RR vs RCB in eliminator While Matt Short has already represented Australia in nine T20I matches with a best of 66 runs with the bat. He will primarily serve as a backup to Glenn Maxwell as he also bowls whenever required. Short had a breakout season in the Big Bash League 2022-23 that saw him win the Player of the Tournament Award after being the competitions leading run-scorer. He followed that up the next season, again making the most runs and going back-to-back in the Player of the Tournament Award. Australia open their T20 World Cup campaign against Oman in Barbados on June 5, before Group B fixtures against England, Namibia and Scotland. Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa All teams are allowed to make changes to their squad until 25 May, after which any alteration will require approval from ICC's Event Technical Committee.

T20 World Cup 2024: Australia likely to include Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Short as travel reserves