George Bailey confirms Pat Cummins out of T20 WC opener, Tim David fit despite minor setback

Pat Cummins (IANS Photo)

Australia's chief selector George Bailey has provided an update on the availability of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David ahead of the T20 World Cup, confirming that Test and ODI captain Cummins will miss the tournament opener while David remains on track to be fit despite a minor setback in his recovery. Cummins, who had been rested for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, will not travel to Sri Lanka before the World Cup. Bailey said that the fast bowler will join the squad only after Australia's second group-stage match against Zimbabwe on February 13. He also added that Hazlewood is expected to be available for the tournament-opener.

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Cummins had been ruled out since making just one appearance during the Ashes series, in which he had a crucial role in helping the Aussies retain the Ashes in Adelaide. "Like nearly every tournament that we head to, particularly when it's a really busy time of the year, it's very much working with the individuals around making sure they get the best preparation they can to make sure when they do join that World Cup squad, they're ready to perform," Bailey was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. Australia have until January 31 to finalise their squad for the World Cup and have not yet announced any reserves for the tournament. "Part of that will certainly be how (Hazlewood and Cummins) are tracking and looking for the tournament, and if they're both going well, then it'll be just about covering any potential gaps that we may see throughout the tournament," Bailey said. Bailey also confirmed that Tim David suffered a 'very minor setback' in his rehabilitation last week, which stopped him from completing a running session. But scans cleared him of any damage and he remains on course for the start of the tournament. David's BBL campaign was curtailed by a hamstring injury he picked up while batting for the Hobart Hurricanes on Boxing Day. Hazlewood, meanwhile, has not played since early November after injuring his right hamstring bowling for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield, with an Achilles issue during his recovery ruling him out of the Ashes series. Bailey indicated that Smith's name would likely be considered if a senior position became available. “It's a great problem to have,” he said. “He's playing incredibly well, as he has done in the BBL for the past couple of years, in a position that we've got really good coverage in. I'd hate to put a line through Steve that he couldn't bat anywhere else because he's proven his ability to be able to do that on a number of occasions. ”

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