Australia’s strongest playing 11 for T20 World Cup 2026

Australia will enter the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as one of the favourites despite a recent series defeat to Pakistan with a depleted squad. Slotted in Group C, Australia will open their campaign in Sri Lanka against Ireland (Feb 11), Zimbabwe (Feb 13), Sri Lanka (Feb 16), and Oman (Feb 20), with all group stage matches spread across Colombo and Pallekele. While spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka will have their own challenge, Australia’s batting depth makes them a dangerous team.

Their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign ended in the Super Eights, after losses to Afghanistan and India. Heading into 2026, injuries to fast bowlers like Pat Cummins and fitness concerns around Josh Hazlewood have forced Australia into a tough spot. However, the team looks well-balanced to adapt and go deep into the tournament.

Here’s Australia’s best XI for T20 World Cup 2026:

Openers: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C)

Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh form one of the most destructive opening pairs in world cricket. Head’s approach makes him capable of swinging games within the first six overs. His performance in the past few years has shown him dominating the bowlers comfortably.

On the other hand, Marsh will be leading this team. The all-rounder has thrived on batting-friendly surfaces and has grown into a tempo-setter rather than a mere hitter. Together, Head and Marsh are responsible for giving Australia a strong start.