Mitchell Owen was omitted from Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2026 and it’s one of the most debated selection calls made by the national selectors. After featuring regularly for Australia across the last six months, Owen has been left out in favour of Cooper Connolly as Australia commit to a spin-heavy strategy for conditions in Sri Lanka and India.
The decision reflects a clear shift in balance rather than a straight judgement on Owen’s talent and is the key highlight of the talking points from Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2026.
(updated on February 2, 2026 after latest Australia injury news)
Australia’s Spin-First Strategy Hurt Mitchell Owen
The biggest factor behind Owen’s exclusion is Australia’s expectation of spin-friendly conditions with all T20 World Cup 2026 squads stacked with spinners. With all group matches scheduled in Sri Lanka, selectors have prioritised slow bowling depth, picking Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann and Connolly as three frontline spin options.
Connolly’s left-arm spin and left-handed batting give Australia an extra tactical option that Owen does not provide. Owen is primarily a seam-bowling all-rounder, and with Australia already carrying Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett, there was limited room for another pace option.
Australia are also nursing few injury concerns before T20 World Cup 2026 with skipper Pat Cummins already ruled and the latest Josh Hazlewood injury update not very positive. Check latest T20 World Cup 2026 injury list.
Cooper Connolly Offers Role Flexibility
Connolly’s selection is less about experience and more about versatility. Despite limited international exposure, he has impressed early in the Big Bash League with both bat and ball, scoring brisk runs and contributing economically with spin.
Selectors see Connolly as a floating option who can bat anywhere from the top order to the lower middle order, while also offering overs on turning tracks. Owen, by contrast, has been viewed more as a role-specific player, useful when Australia want seam-bowling depth, but less adaptable in subcontinental conditions.
Dip In Owen’s Returns After Strong Start
Owen’s international form also worked against him. After promising early contributions — including scores of 50, 36* and 37 — his returns tailed off sharply. In his next five innings, he failed to cross 14, and his recent BBL performances have not strengthened his case at the right time.
While selectors have not ruled him out long-term, the lack of momentum made it easier to move on given the squad balance Australia were targeting.
Australia’s squad already includes Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short and Connolly too, all players who offer proven all-round value and significant experience in global tournaments. With those options locked in, Owen found himself squeezed out, even though he has played more T20Is than several others over the past year.
In short, Owen has been dropped as Australia chose adaptability and spin depth over seam-bowling depth for this World Cup.
With injuries still clouding Cummins, Hazlewood and Tim David, changes remain possible before the final cut. If conditions or fitness concerns shift, Owen could yet find his way back into contention.
For schedule, venues and latest updates, see our T20 World Cup 2026 news page.
