Cricket Australia Seals Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc’s Fate Fo 2027 World Cup

The Strategic Blueprint for 2027

Preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup is officially underway, and Cricket Australia is leaving nothing to chance. With a rigorous international schedule ahead, the selectors have made the calculated decision to protect their premier fast-bowling trio. The journey toward the next marquee 50-over event begins with a challenging three-match ODI series on the upcoming tour of Pakistan, but fans will notice some significant omissions from the team sheet.

Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that regular Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins, along with veteran strike bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, will be rested for the Pakistan tour. This decision extends to the subsequent bilateral series in Bangladesh, highlighting a clear long-term vision. While the trio remains in peak physical condition and continues to demonstrate their prowess in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), the national board is taking no risks with their longevity.

Managing the Pace Battery

The Australian cricketing landscape has shifted toward a more protective approach regarding its star fast bowlers. In recent times, the team management has implemented a policy of careful monitoring. This shift in strategy follows the 2025/26 Ashes campaign, where the absence of key bowlers left the team vulnerable. To prevent burnout and ensure these match-winners remain available for the most crucial assignments, the board has opted for a ‘cotton-wool’ approach.

Despite the competitive nature of these players—who were notably absent from the early phases of the IPL 2026—the directive to rest them is strictly administrative. Head coach Andrew McDonald has clarified that the players themselves are eager to represent their country, but the decision is dictated by the overarching schedule.

“I think there’s almost a misconception that the players are sort of picking and choosing as to where they play and which series they play in,” McDonald noted. “These decisions are made around the management of what is coming up with in the schedule—and they don’t choose that. We work with them on it, but we just don’t feel like it’s the best time for them to play.”

New Faces Emerge

With the senior stalwarts rested, Australia is turning its attention to the next generation of talent. Mitchell Marsh will take up the mantle of captaincy in the ODI format during these tours. The squad sees the inclusion of promising pacemen including Liam Scott, Riley Meredith, and Billy Stanlake, who will look to prove their worth on the international stage.

Additionally, the squad depth is being tested with the inclusion of Xavier Bartlett, who will join the team for the Bangladesh leg, alongside Ben Dwarshuis. This infusion of youth is essential as Australia looks to transition while maintaining its standing as a global powerhouse in the 50-over format.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The backbone of Australian cricket for over a decade has undoubtedly been the trio of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc. While they are now in the twilight of their illustrious careers, their experience remains invaluable for the upcoming World Cup. By managing their workload now, Cricket Australia is essentially banking on their availability for the 2027 event.

The current tour of Pakistan and the following series in Bangladesh offer the perfect opportunity to assess the depth of the Australian pace attack. If the young bowlers can step up, it will provide the selectors with the necessary flexibility to keep the veteran trio fresh for the challenges that lie ahead. The 2027 World Cup is only a year away, and the foundation being built today will ultimately determine whether Australia can reclaim the pinnacle of ODI cricket.