Mumbai: Australia have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with star fast bowler Pat Cummins officially ruled out of the tournament due to a lingering back injury.
The Australian spearhead had been racing against time to regain full fitness and even featured in a solitary Ashes Test as part of his comeback plan. However, medical assessments have confirmed that Cummins will need more recovery time and won’t be ready for the global event. The 32-year-old is now expected to make his international return closer to IPL 2026.
Ben Dwarshuis comes in as replacement
Left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis has been named as Cummins’ replacement in the squad. The 31-year-old brings valuable T20 experience, having played 13 T20Is and picked up 20 wickets. His most recent outing in the format came during Australia’s five-match T20I series against India in November 2025.
Explaining the decision, selector Tony Dodemaide told ESPNcricinfo:
“With Pat needing more time to recover from his back injury, Ben is a ready replacement who provides a left-arm pace option, strong fielding and late-order hitting. His ability to swing the ball at good pace and use smart variations should suit the conditions we expect.”
Reports suggest Cummins underwent scans in January which were encouraging, but not sufficient for an immediate return to top-level cricket.
Another squad change: Renshaw replaces Short
Australia have also made a second adjustment to their T20 World Cup squad. Matt Renshaw has been brought in for Matthew Short, who has been dropped following a run of poor form in the shortest format.
Renshaw, a left-hander, earned his spot after consistent performances in domestic cricket and a strong Big Bash League season, along with his recent international debut against Pakistan.
Dodemaide added:
“Matt has impressed across formats and in multiple roles. With spin-heavy conditions expected in Sri Lanka and the top order settled, we feel he adds balance and depth to the middle order. As a left-hander, he offers a valuable point of difference.”
Australia’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
