"Matthew Kuhnemann is in line for a World Cup debut after being included as the biggest surprise selection in Australia's squad for the T20 World Cup. As expected, Australia have named superstar pacemen Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, as well as swashbuckling Tim David, despite injury concerns. Mitch Owen, the hero of last summer's BBL final, fit-again quick Sean Abbott and backup wicketkeeper Josh Philippe have missed the cut."
"Paceman Xavier Bartlett, versatile Matt Short and allrounder Cooper Connolly are in line to play World Cup cricket for the first time on 11 February, when Australia begin their campaign against Ireland in Colombo. But Kuhnemann is the bigger surprise among the 15-player squad. He has played only four T20 internationals since being handed a first cap on the 2025 winter tour of West Indies and has not yet taken a wicket."
"But Kuhnemann's status as a left-arm spinner bodes well for the turning wickets likely to be rolled out on the subcontinent. Kuhnemann was among Australia's best players on the Test tour of Sri Lanka in early 2025, albeit bowling with the red ball in that two-match series. White-ball stalwart Adam Zampa is the other frontline spinner included in the squad."
Australia named a 15-player T20 World Cup squad that includes expected fast-bowling stars Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood and injury-concern Tim David. Matthew Kuhnemann earned a surprise place despite having only four T20 internationals and no wickets to date; his left-arm spin suits subcontinental turning wickets. Xavier Bartlett, Matt Short and Cooper Connolly are set for potential World Cup debuts, while Josh Inglis is the sole specialist wicketkeeper after Josh Philippe's omission. Adam Zampa is the other frontline spinner. Selectors cited recent T20 success and a need for balance across Sri Lanka and India conditions.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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