Australia remain confident of a strong showing at the upcoming ICC Twenty20 World Cup despite the absence of several frontline fast bowlers, captain Mitchell Marsh says.

Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has retired from T20 Internationals, while his new-ball partner Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the 20-nation tournament with a back injury. Josh Hazle­wood is also doubtful for the first round after suffering a hamstring injury.

“We are well prepared for the World Cup and, yes, we will miss some of our key players, but we are confident that we have all bases covered,” Marsh told reporters at the captains’ briefing in Colombo.