Ravichandran Ashwin opens up on Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 preparations, says they could struggle on slow wickets

Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has shed light on Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 preparations. Australia suffered a 48-run loss against India in the fourth T20I at the Gold Coast on Thursday.

Chasing 168 runs for the win, Australia were bowled out for 119 in 18.2 overs. Ashwin said it wasn’t the easiest of pitches and Australia could struggle to get going on tracks, which are slow in nature. 

The T20 World Cup 2026 will be played in India in February and March and Ashwin reckons Australia could struggle to get going on sluggish wickets.

Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “We had said that the fixture that Australia has set for the T20 series has suited India more than anybody else because in all these places, the ball comes a little slower, and even when you go to Brisbane, you will see that the ball comes a little slower. Obviously, the Ashes are coming, so I don’t think they will give you a Test match pitch. So the pitch will come a little slower, and Australia is going to find it hard.”

“Many people, after previewing and looking at the team a bit, are saying that Australia’s team is very strong, very powerful for the upcoming World Cup, but if the wicket comes a little slower, sticks a little, or turns a little, the performance we saw today is the kind of performance you might end up seeing from Australia even at the World Cup.”

“But how will the wickets be in February-March? Will they stay a bit fresh, will there be dew? Dew maybe will not be late. So keeping all these factors in mind, Australia’s power batting is definitely a risk, but if the wicket comes a little sticky, India is going to be in the driver’s seat,” he added.

On the other hand, Ashwin praised the Indian team for their comprehensive win and reckons Shivam Dube dismissing Tim David was a turning point in the match.

“Even today, Australia were in a good position, but when Dube got that double break, especially off Tim David. The last match, I had prepared a bit, and his improvement in batting, especially against spin, has been remarkable. His wicket was then taken by Dube.”

“From there on, Australia were definitely going to catch up, and with so much experience, I know Glenn Maxwell is a dangerous player, playing a match after a long time, but as he took on Varun and got bowled, the game completely got closed. I was very surprised to see some of the experienced Australian batters make mistakes, but India was nevertheless absolutely brilliant,” he added.

The fifth and final T20I of the series between Australia and India will be played at the Gabba, Brisbane, on Saturday.