New Delhi, May 25 (H.S.): The Australian cricket team management has reaffirmed its confidence in experienced fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood as part of its preparations for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. Despite concerns regarding fitness and the demands of continuous cricket, Australia remains optimistic that the pace trio will remain fully fit and in top form for the tournament.

All three players have been rested for the upcoming limited-overs series against Pakistan and Bangladesh. Australia head coach Andrew McDonald stated that although the trio was available for selection, the team management decided to provide them rest considering the packed international schedule and workload management.

Speaking to Cricket Australia, McDonald said, “People often look only at the current matches and ask why players are not participating. But if you examine the entire schedule leading up to the 2027 World Cup, this is the most crucial period for preparing their bodies and ensuring they remain fit. Our plan is for all three players to feature in the 2027 World Cup.”

He acknowledged that managing the fitness of the fast bowlers would become increasingly challenging with age. At present, Starc is 36, Hazlewood 35, and Cummins 33 years old.

The head coach further said, “Our biggest challenge is maintaining the fitness of these fast bowlers amid relentless cricket schedules. The medical and sports science departments are continuously working on this.”

McDonald also clarified that the players are not choosing to skip series on their own. “It is not as though players decide which series they want to play. These decisions are taken keeping future schedules and fitness requirements in mind. The players want to play, but we believe rest is the better option at this stage,” he said.

All three pacers were also seen in action during the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League. Pat Cummins had returned after recovering from a back injury, while Josh Hazlewood continued to struggle with hamstring and Achilles issues. Mitchell Starc’s campaign ended after the elimination of Delhi Capitals from the tournament.

McDonald confirmed that once Pat Cummins returns, he will reassume captaincy of Australia’s ODI side. In his absence, Mitchell Marsh is currently leading the team.

### Tim David Also Under Consideration for ODI Return

The Australian team management is also considering the return of explosive batter Tim David to the ODI squad. Tim David last played an ODI match in September 2023.

McDonald said, “We are considering that option. If Tim David expresses a desire to play ODI cricket in the future, he could certainly become part of our plans.”

Following the retirement of Glenn Maxwell from ODI cricket, Australia is searching for a strong finisher in the lower middle order, and Tim David is being viewed as a key candidate for that role.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar