Tim David ruled out of Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener; Nathan Ellis cleared

Australia captain Mitch Marsh confirmed that fast bowler Nathan Ellis is fit and available for their T20 World Cup 2026 opener against Ireland on Wednesday, February 11, in Colombo. However, Marsh also revealed that Tim David will miss the Ireland match as he continues to recover from his hamstring strain.

Australia are set to be the final team among the 20 participants to begin their campaign at the T20 World Cup. Several full-member nations have already faced stiff challenges from associate teams during the tournament. However, the associate teams failed to cause any upsets early in the marquee event.

We’ll Certainly See Him Come Back Into Contention – Mitchell Marsh on Tim David

Speaking ahead of the match, Mitch Marsh said that Tim David won’t return to the team for their World Cup opener. Marsh added that David will come back into contention over the next few games as he continues his recovery.

“We’ll certainly see him come back into contention over the next few games,” Marsh said during his pre-match press conference.

Tim David Continues Recovery Ahead of Australia’s Busy World Cup Schedule

Tim David has been recovering from a hamstring injury he picked up during the Big Bash League in December. He has not played since Boxing Day, when he was injured while batting for the Hobart Hurricanes.

The 29-year-old has joined the Australia squad in Colombo, but there is still no clear date for his return to match action. Since arriving in Sri Lanka last week, David has trained strongly with the T20 squad.

He has taken part in batting sessions at every Australian practice in Colombo except one optional hit-out and has also completed multiple running and fielding drills, including full sprinting between the wickets in match gear on Tuesday. Australia will play their first two matches with just a one-day gap.

Also read: CSK break silence on sale rumours amid billion-dollar IPL franchise interest