With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 fast approaching, the tournament is already being billed as one of the most unpredictable editions in recent memory. Conditions across venues, the packed international calendar, and the fine margins of the shortest format mean there is no guaranteed path to the final four. While India are being widely tipped as favourites due to home familiarity, squad depth, and all-round balance, several other teams are quietly building strong cases of their own. Among them, Australia remain a side that cannot be ignored, especially given their history of peaking at major ICC events. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes that despite stiff competition, Australia have all the ingredients required to book a semifinal spot.
Ricky Ponting gives reason why Australia will make it to the top 4
Speaking on ICC review, Ponting expressed confidence in Australia’s chances, stressing the overall balance of the squad. He pointed out that while India may start as favourites due to conditions and talent, Australia are well equipped to challenge any side in the tournament. According to Ponting, flexibility is the biggest strength of the Australian unit, particularly the abundance of quality all-rounders.
“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,” said Ponting.
He highlighted the presence of players like Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green, all of whom provide multiple options with both bat and ball. Ponting also singled out young all-rounder Cooper Connolly, who has enjoyed a remarkable run in the Big Bash League, winning the MVP award for the second year in a row. Ponting noted that if pitches offer assistance to spinners, Australia can easily include Connolly to support Maxwell and Adam Zampa, giving them three genuine spin options without weakening their batting depth. This adaptability, he feels, could be a decisive factor in a long and demanding tournament.
“The one thing they have got in that squad is really good flexibility with so many all-rounders. You look at (Marcus) Stoinis, (Glenn) Maxwell, Cameron Green, there’s so many. Cooper Connolly. Young guy that’s just won the MVP again in the BBL (Big Bash League) for the second year in 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,” added Ponting.
Big-match experience key in ICC tournaments
Ponting also touched upon the unique challenges of ICC events, describing them as extremely difficult to win due to the quality of opposition and pressure situations. He admitted that Australia fell short in the previous edition because their senior players failed to deliver at crucial moments. In tournaments like the T20 World Cup, timing is everything, and success often depends on star players finding form simultaneously. Ponting believes this lesson has been well learned, and Australia will be eager to ensure their match-winners fire when it matters most in 2026.
“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,” Ponting added further.
Expectations high despite Pat Cummins’ absence
Australia will, however, head into the tournament without one of their biggest match-winners. Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to a persistent lumbar stress injury, leaving a significant leadership and bowling void. Under the captaincy of Mitchell Marsh, Australia are expected to miss Cummins’ calm presence and big-game temperament.
Despite that setback, the rest of the squad looks well settled and packed with experience. With a strong pace attack, versatile all-rounders, and proven performers in pressure games, expectations remain high.
