The Australia Playing XI vs Ireland Playing XI will mark the last opportunity for the Aussies to settle on a final combination of players who can feature in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s, in the absence of their key players. This is the first time that the Aussies will be without their key players.
Australia, for the first time since the 2009 Champions Trophy, will be playing in an ICC tournament without a single player among Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Steve Smith or David Warner as part of their playing XI. For experience, they would depend largely on skipper Marsh and all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell.
The following article provides a detailed study of the probable playing XIs for the match between Australia and Ireland.
Australia Playing XI vs Ireland Playing XI, Match No. 14 – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Australia Playing XI vs Ireland – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Openers: Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head
Australian openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head will continue to form the opening pair for the Aussies. Mitchell Marsh is the most experienced batter in the lineup, and a lot would depend on his exploits at the top of the batting order. On the other hand, the left-handed Travis Head is crucial to their performance in the ICC T20 World Cup in the subcontinent. Head has a strike rate of over 170 while batting in the powerplay in the subcontinent.
Middle-Orders: Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Glenn Maxwell
Cameron Green, the big all-rounder, is the only player to have shown some form and resistance against spinners in their last series against Pakistan. Josh Inglis is another crucial name and the only gloveman in the side. Tim David’s return could bolster their chances in the T20 World Cup, though his return is still under scrutiny.
Marcus Stoinis is Australia’s big-hitting player in the death, while the legendary Glenn Maxwell will return as their major match-winner in the format. Cooper Connolly, the youngster, is likely to deliver with the ball and bat in his debut ICC tournament.
Bowlers: Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Adam Zampa/Matthew Kuhnemann
In Hazlewood and Cummins’ absence, Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis will be Australia’s only hope to keep them in the game. Adam Zampa, the veteran spinner, was entrusted with the role of major trickster; however, if his return is delayed, slow left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann can be swapped in his place.
Australia Playing XI: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Glenn Maxwell, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Adam Zampa/Matthew Kuhnemann.
Ireland Playing XI vs Australia – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Openers: Paul Stirling and Ross Adair
Veteran Irish opener Paul Stirling will look to lead the Irish batting innings as the captain of the Indian side. Stirling will be their main batter in the forefront and will find the newcomer Ross Adair alongside him. The two would look to make maximum use of the fielding restrictions in the powerplay.
Middle-Orders: Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany
Lorcan Tucker, the right-handed batter, can be picked as one of the best players currently in the Irish middle order. Tucker will be crucial for their middle-order campaign, while Harry Tector and Curtis Campher are also important players who back the frontline batters.
Dockrell and Delany are the two spinners who play a major role with the white ball for them. Especially with the Australians’ exposed weakness against spinners, they will be crucial for the match.
Bowlers: Mark Adair, Josh Little, and Matthew Humphreys
Ireland pacers Mark Adair and Josh Little, and spinner Matthew Humphreys are the frontline players in the squad. While Little is relatively new to the side, Mark Adair is the more experienced cricketer. Humphreys has been effective with his economical, slow left-arm spin.
Ireland Playing XI: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Josh Little, and Matthew Humphreys.
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