T20 World Cup 2026: Aakash Chopra picks Australia’s probable XI, backs Nathan Ellis as death-overs specialist

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has picked Australia’s probable playing XI for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup and believes that the defending champions could potentially face India in the final of the marquee tournament. The 2026 T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Australia have been placed in Group B for the group stage and are set to feature in India’s group during the Super Eight stage, provided both teams advance. This grouping ensures that the two heavyweights will not meet in the semi-finals, increasing the possibility of a high-profile clash in the final.

"If everyone remains fit, the XI could be Mitchell Marsh, the captain, Travis Head, then Josh Inglis, and after that, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell and Tim David. It is a wow batting lineup. Then Pat Cummins at No. 8," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

"You can play three proper bowlers at Nos. 9 to 11, where I will think about Nathan Ellis/Matthew Kuhnemann, although my vote will probably go towards Nathan Ellis because bowling is required in death overs, Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa. There is a possibility that it could be an India-Australia final because they have brought a strong team," he added.

Chopra further noted that Australia are likely to adopt an ultra-aggressive approach during the T20 World Cup. He added that almost every batter in the Australian lineup would look to take the opposition bowlers to the cleaners, putting constant pressure on teams with their attacking intent and depth in power-hitting.

"In batting, the strategy is very simple. There is only one anchor. Everyone else is a striker. Josh Inglis is the only one who is a striker but can anchor as well. You might think that Cameron Green can play a slight anchor's role, but all the rest of them, everyone remains absolutely ready to hit fours and sixes," said Chopra.

"So that will be one strategy for this team, that all of them will come and swing their bats. Everyone will keep hitting till Tim David and Pat Cummins. No one will stop. So their strategy is going to be like that," he added.

Aakash Chopra’s probable playing XI for Australia for the 2026 T20 World Cup:

Mitchell Marsh (Captain), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis/Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa