Melbourne, May 25: Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed that the team management is carefully managing senior fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc with the long-term goal of defending their title at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The experienced pace trio will miss Australia’s upcoming ODI tours of Pakistan and Bangladesh as part of workload management plans. Cummins and Hazlewood are currently involved in the IPL 2026 playoffs with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru respectively, while Starc is set to return home following the end of Delhi Capitals’ campaign.
McDonald explained that the decision is part of a broader strategy aimed at keeping the bowlers fit and available through to the 2027 World Cup cycle. He said the current schedule leaves very few opportunities for extended recovery and conditioning, making player management essential.
Australia’s head coach dismissed suggestions that players are selectively choosing series, clarifying that decisions are taken jointly by team management, medical staff, and players while considering the demanding international calendar.
The trio played a major role in Australia’s successful 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, collectively taking 47 wickets during the tournament. However, they have not featured together in an ODI since November 2024.
Although Mitchell Marsh is leading the side in the interim, McDonald reaffirmed that Cummins remains Australia’s primary ODI captain and is expected to lead the team at the 2027 World Cup.
McDonald admitted that managing an ageing bowling group presents new challenges but expressed confidence in Australia’s sports science and medical teams. He noted that recent injury concerns, including Cummins’ back issue, have reinforced the importance of carefully balancing workload and recovery.
The coach also highlighted that the absence of senior players provides opportunities for younger members of the squad to establish themselves in the ODI setup.
Among those being closely monitored is all-rounder Cameron Green, whom McDonald described as a versatile option capable of contributing in multiple batting positions as well as with the ball.
He praised Green’s ability to adapt across formats and pointed to his improving white-ball skills following recovery from surgery. McDonald added that Green’s bowling could play a significant role in strengthening Australia’s balance, especially in sharing the workload alongside the frontline pace attack.
Australia will continue experimenting with combinations and player roles over the next two years as they build toward another World Cup campaign.
