As doubt grows over David, Australia must tap into emerging Goliath

Australia's provisional squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 looks formidable on paper, but the omission of Mitchell Owen could prove to be the rift in the lute that may derail their campaign.

The champions of the 2021 edition need brute power and flexibility in the batting order, and therefore Owen's snub seems glaringly difficult to justify. Owen's numbers, his adaptability as a batter, and the requirement of the squad not just make him a part of the selection debate, but a non-negotiable for ICC's signature event in India and Sri Lanka.

Blistering strike rate makes for an unignorable case

At just 24, Owen has already built a reputation for himself in the T20 circuit. The right-handed batter has already showcased that he can excel across different conditions without compromising on the strike rate. Owen can clear the fence with ease, accelerate instantly, and maintain a tempo that modern T20 cricket asks for.

In the Indian subcontinent, where batters tend to have the better of the bowlers in the T20 format more often than not, Owen's sustained explosiveness can give Australia a cushion of 20-25 runs, which can prove to be decisive with the dew factor set to play a role.

As doubts grow over David, Australia must tap into the emerging Goliath

Australia are sweating profusely over the fitness of their premier finisher, Tim David, who is nursing a hamstring injury. David suffered the setback while running between the wickets during the 12th match of BBL 15 between Hobart Hurricanes and Perth Scorchers on December 26. He was taken for scans afterwards, which confirmed a grade 2 tear in his right hamstring.

David had also suffered a hamstring strain during the previous edition of the Indian Premier League and was unable to play any part during the playoffs for RCB.

Though the selectors have named David in the provisional squad, his participation in the World Cup remains touch-and-go. Even if he recovers in time to be available for Australia, concerns over his fitness are likely to linger throughout the tournament. Having Owen in the squad, therefore, would ease the management’s anxiety and provide a reassuring contingency.

Owen has racked up 163 runs in 13 T20Is for Australia at a scintillating strike rate of 158.25, including two fifties, and his MLC, BBL, and PSL strike rates are better compared to David's.

A versatile floater

Owen's forte is his versatility. For Australia, he has slotted in the lower middle-order but can bat anywhere from the top to the lower order based on the demands of the situation. He smashed the joint-fastest ton in BBL history on January 27, 2025, opening the innings in the final against Sydney Thunder to power Hobart Hurricanes to their maiden title.

Peshawar Zalmi floated him around the batting order as per the match scenario, and Owen still managed to maintain a strike rate of 192.45 throughout the season. If need be, he can play the same role for the Kangaroos at the signature event depending upon favourable matchups.

Crucially, he adds to the team’s seam-bowling depth without diluting its batting firepower. Few players in the country combine his explosiveness, versatility, and fearlessness, and even fewer do it with such consistency across leagues. Overlooking Owen now wouldn’t just be conservative; it could be a strategic misstep Australia may not have the luxury to fix once the World Cup begins.