Ricky Ponting tips Australia for deep run at T20 World Cup 2026 despite Pat Cummins absence

Veteran Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has backed his countrymen to reach the semi-finals or better at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, citing squad balance, all-round strength, and experience despite Pat Cummins’ absence.

Ponting’s understanding of what it takes to succeed at ICC tournaments is shaped by lived experience. The former Australia captain, who lifted the ODI World Cup in 2003 and 2007, believes his country is well placed to make a serious impact at the twenty-team tournament, set to be played across India and Sri Lanka from February 7.

Australia’s most recent T20 World Cup campaign, in 2024 in the USA and West Indies, ended earlier than expected. A shock loss to Afghanistan followed by a 24-run defeat against India meant they exited at the Super Eights stage. Two years on, the focus has shifted firmly to redemption, and Ponting feels the squad has the tools to push deep into the tournament.

“If you look at the squad, I think they have as good a chance as anybody. India probably start the clear favourites I think in this event due to conditions, the talent and the group of players that they have put together. They'll be hard to beat but I really do think we will see Australia there come semi-final time,” Ponting told via ICC Review.

Ponting also addressed the subtle changes within the Australian setup, describing the transition phase as controlled rather than disruptive, as he sees it as a blend of experience and young talent. Furthermore, despite Cummins’ absence, Ponting believes Australia’s depth, particularly in the all-round department, could prove decisive.

“There has been a slight transition around the Australian team. It's not a dramatic one. If you look at the squad that they've named, there's a lot of experience in that squad still. A few guys are injured at the moment or coming back from injury. That's probably the biggest concern that they've got right now," he said.

You look at (Marcus) Stoinis, (Glenn) Maxwell, Cameron Green, there are so many. Cooper Connolly. Young guy that's just won the MVP again in the BBL (Big Bash League) for the second year in a row. If it looks like it will turn, I think Australia will go with Connolly to back up Maxwell and (Adam) Zampa. So, they've got three spin bowling options there,” he added.

Australia have been preparing for subcontinental conditions through a T20I series in Pakistan, where Cameron Green has been trialled at No. 3. Ponting expects that move to carry into the World Cup, with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh continuing at the top. The kangaroos have been whitewashed in their series with Pakistan, the series scoreline reading 3-0.

“(Josh) Inglis is someone that they could bat at No.3 if they wanted to as well. And then they've got that experience in the middle with Maxwell and Stoinis and Co. It's a very good squad," he said.

However, the former top-order batter offered a reminder that ICC tournaments often hinge on timing rather than reputation.

“But the thing I know about these ICC events is, one, they're hard to win, because all the best teams in the world are playing in them, and if you want to win it, you have to have all your good players playing well at the right time. That's what Australia probably didn't have last time around. They just didn't have their big guns firing at the right time to win an event," he said.

Australia will begin their T20 World Cup campaign on February 11 against Ireland and have been placed in Group B alongside Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.