Pat Cummins included in Australia's World Cup squad despite fractured wrist

The one-day captain suffered the injury during the fifth Ashes Test defeat to England and is expected to be sidelined for six weeks. He will miss the T20 leg of the white-ball tour of South Africa starting later this month ahead of the World Cup

Australia are confident captain Pat Cummins will be fully fit for the men's 50-over World Cup despite a wrist injury which is expected to take six weeks to heal.

The fast-bowler injured the joint during the fifth Ashes Test and is forced to take a break from the sport but has been included in the 18-strong preliminary squad for the tournament.

He will miss the T20 leg of the white-ball tour of South Africa in August and September and return for the conclusion of the five-match ODI series.

"We view a period of enforced rest for Pat as a positive ahead of this important World Cup campaign," said Australia's selection chair George Bailey.

"There are still a number of games he could play before the World Cup which is more than enough for him to have a strong preparation."

Confirmation of the injury comes as Australia unveiled their preliminary World Cup squad for the tournament in India across October and November.

Tanveer Sangha and Aaron Hardie are in World Cup contention (Mike Owen/James Worsfold/Getty Images)

Mitchell Marsh will lead the T20 squad in South Africa (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

There is no place for Marnus Labuschagne while spinner Tanveer Sangha and allrounder Aaron Hardie are included in the party, which must be trimmed to 15 by September 27.

Glenn Maxwell is selected in the extended party but will miss the South Africa ODIs due to paternity leave, but is due back in time for the India series and the World Cup.

Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green, David Warner and Ashton Agar are all omitted from the T20 squad due to face The Proteas, which is led by Mitchell Marsh.

Left-arm seamer Spencer Johnson, batting allrounder Matthew Short and Hardie have been handed their maiden call-ups.

Jason Behrendorff returns over a year on from his last international outing while Steve Smith will feature as an opener. Matthew Wade and Kane Richardson are missing from the home T20 World Cup campaign last year.

South Africa v Australia fixtures

August 30: First T20I (Durban)

September 1: Second T20I (Durban)

September 3: Third T20I (Durban)

September 7: First ODI (Bloemfontein) 

September 9: Second ODI Bloemfontein

September 12: Third ODI (Potchefstroom)

September 15: Fourth ODI (Centurion)

September 17: Fifth ODI (Johannesburg)

"Aaron, Spencer and Matt have been outstanding in the BBL and identified as potential national players of the future," said Bailey. 

"This tour is a great opportunity for all three to demonstrate those skills in a national team environment.

"Aaron has impressed in recent outings for Australia A as well as for the Scorchers while Matt has blossomed with extra responsibility at the top of the order for the Strikers.

"Spencer's left-arm pace and bounce was highly effective in his first season for the Heat. This trip will be a fantastic experience for all three and the chance to play their first games for their country."

Australia men's World Cup squad: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

T20 squad v South Africa: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

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