David hints at late-stage focus as Australia manage his workload at T20 World Cup

Australia’s power-hitter Tim David has hinted that he may be eased into action at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the team management prioritising his fitness for the business end of the tournament.

David, who missed Australia’s tour of Pakistan due to a hamstring injury that cut short his Big Bash League season, has been cleared to return after a successful rehabilitation. However, the middle-order batter suggested he could miss parts of the group stage as Australia carefully managed his workload.

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During a training session at the Colombo Cricket Ground, David was in ominous touch, launching several sixes, including one onto the roof of the Gymkhana Club lounge behind the sightscreen. Despite feeling strong, he acknowledged that caution remains part of the plan.

“I wanted to bat a bit longer, but they just said, ‘Hold your horses for a bit’. There are some management thoughts going around with the (medical staff), but it’s pretty strong, and I’m looking forward to the back end of this tournament,” David told cricket.com.au.

Set to play a key role in the middle order, David also addressed Australia’s struggles against spin during the Pakistan tour and the need to tackle that challenge head-on during the World Cup.

“It obviously comes with responsibility that in this tournament I’ll be batting through the middle, and it’s important that we keep going with the same intent against the spin bowling that we’re most likely going to face,” he said.

David has been a vital cog in Australia’s T20 setup, scoring 1,596 runs in 58 matches, including nine half-centuries and a century. Known for his power, he has already struck 101 sixes and 126 fours in international T20 cricket.

Australia, the 2021 T20 World Cup champions, will open their 2026 campaign against Ireland on February 11, followed by group matches against Zimbabwe (February 13), Sri Lanka (February 16) and Oman (February 20). The top two teams from the group will advance to the Super Eight stage.