Australia have suffered a major injury setback ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup as Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the tournament after not being able to recover in time from his back injury. He had participated in just a single Ashes Test in hopes of recovering fully in time for the T20 World Cup. However, it didn't prove to be enough and the 32-year-old will have to wait to make his international return.
Dwarshuis joins as Cummins' replacement
In his place, left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis has been added to Australia's squad for the tournament. He has a decent amount of experience when it comes to the shortest format and has played 13 T20Is so far in his career, racking up 20 wickets. His last appearance for the Baggy Greens in the format came in the five-match T20I series against India in November, 2025.
"With Pat needing more time to recover from his back injury Ben is a ready replacement who offers a left arm pace option as well as dynamic fielding and late order hitting. We believe his ability to swing the ball at good pace along with clever variations will be well suited to the conditions we expect and overall structure of the squad," Australia selector Tony Dodemaide told ESPNcricinfo.
According to a report ESPNcricinfo, Cummins had scans in January and even though they were positive, he would still need more time to return to action. The report also stated that he is likely to regain full fitness by the time of IPL 2026.
Australia make another big change
Additionally, Australia have made another change to their squad for the T20 World Cup and have brought in Matt Renshaw in place of Matthew Short. The latter has been dropped from the team due to his poor form in the format and has been replaced by the left-hand batter, who just made his debut against Pakistan on Friday. Renshaw has been awarded with a place in the team following his excellent performances in both domestic cricket and the latest season of Big Bash League (BBL).
"Matt (Renshaw) has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white ball formats for Australia, the Queensland Bulls and the Brisbane Heat. With the top order settled and spin heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle order support, with Tim David completing his return to play program in the early phase of the tournament. As a left hander, he [Renshaw] also offers a point of difference to the middle order batting," Dodemaide stated.
Australia's squad for T20 World Cup: Mitchell Marsh (capt), 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.