Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has backed the Kangaroos to reach at least the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, pointing to their squad balance, depth in all-rounders and big-tournament experience, even in the absence of Pat Cummins.
Drawing from his own decorated World Cup career, Ponting believes Australia are well equipped to make a deep run in the 20-team tournament, set to be played across India and Sri Lanka from February 7. Australia will be eager to atone for their underwhelming 2024 campaign in the USA and West Indies, where defeats to Afghanistan and India saw them bow out at the Super Eights stage.
“If you look at the squad, I think they have as good a chance as anybody,” Ponting said on the ICC Review. “India probably start as clear favourites because of the conditions and the talent they have, but I really do think we will see Australia there come semi-final time.”
Ponting described Australia’s ongoing transition as measured rather than disruptive, highlighting the mix of experience and emerging talent within the squad. While acknowledging that injuries remain a concern, he insisted that the overall balance of the side remains strong.
“There has been a slight transition around the team, but it’s not dramatic. There’s still a lot of experience in that squad. The biggest concern right now is probably a few guys coming back from injury,” he said.
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The former skipper believes Australia’s all-round options could be a major advantage in subcontinental conditions. “You look at Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, there are so many. Connolly has just won the BBL MVP again. If it looks like the pitch will turn, Australia could go with Connolly alongside Maxwell and Adam Zampa, giving them three spin options,” Ponting added.
Australia’s preparations have included a T20I series in Pakistan, where Cameron Green has been trialled at No. 3 a move Ponting expects to continue at the World Cup, with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh opening. Despite Australia being whitewashed 3-0 in the series, Ponting believes experimentation was key.
“Josh Inglis is another option at No. 3 if they want to go that way. Then you’ve got the experience in the middle with Maxwell and Stoinis. It’s a very good squad,” he said.
However, Ponting warned that reputation alone does not win ICC tournaments. “These events are hard to win because all the best teams are there. You need your best players firing at the right time. Australia didn’t quite have that last time around, and that made the difference.”
Australia will open their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Ireland on February 11 and are placed in Group B alongside Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
