Pat Cummins shapes as Australia’s wildcard for the Cricket World Cup, with the match-winning youngster set to named as the final bowler in the host nation’s 15-man squad for the showpiece tournament on Sunday.
Cummins has battled injury since hitting the winning runs in a stunning Test debut more than three years ago, but recent strong showings in the shorter formats of the game will likely see him get the nod from Australia’s selectors.
The 21-year-old played in the recent ODI series against South Africa and has been kept around the Test side as he is eased back into the Australian fold.
Cummins has performed 12th man duties at the fourth Test against India at the SCG and has impressed with his efforts in the Big Bash League with the Sydney Thunder.
Cummins’ express pace and lusty lower order hitting could emerge as an X-factor for Australia in the first World Cup in the country since 1992.
George Bailey, who is set to be named vice-captain of Australia’s squad under captain Michael Clarke, believes Cummins would be a welcome addition to the squad.
“He’s exciting and he’s a wicket-taker and he’s certainly someone who you would think comes into calculations come Sunday,” Bailey told AAP.
Clarke is increasingly confident he will be fit for Australia’s tournament opener against England at the MCG on February 14, after continuing his recovery ahead of schedule from hamstring surgery three weeks ago.
Bailey has captained Australia’s ODI side in recent times, when Clarke has been absent with injury and he is likely to be retained in a leadership role ahead of stand-in Test skipper Steve Smith.
Clarke was giving little away when asked about the make-up of the squad during his commentating duties with Channel Nine on the fifth day of the fourth Test against India at the SCG on Saturday.
“I’ve certainly had conversations about trying to pick the World Cup squad,” Clarke said.
“They’ve asked me my views and opinions, but when it comes to selecting the team that’s certainly in their hands.”
The Australian squad is unlikely to contain any selection shocks with Xavier Doherty set to earn the spinners duties.
Mitchell Marsh will return from a hamstring injury to take his place in the squad, while Glenn Maxwell is expected to be chosen despite his indifferent form this summer.
India are the defending World Cup champions are their win in the 2011 tournament.
Likely Australian World Cup squad: Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey (vice-capt), David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steve Smith, Shane Watson, Mitchell Marsh, James Faulkner, Glenn Maxwell, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Xavier Doherty.
