Australia have been dealt a significant setback ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with pace spearhead Pat Cummins ruled out of the tournament due to injury as selectors confirmed two changes to their final 15-man squad.
Cummins, who has been managing a lingering lower back issue, has failed to recover in time for the global event, which begins on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka. The fast bowler’s absence leaves a notable hole in Australia’s pace attack just days before the start of the competition.
In response, left-arm quick Ben Dwarshuis has been drafted into the squad, offering Australia a different bowling option for sub-continent conditions. Top-order batter Matthew Short has also been omitted, with Matthew Renshaw earning a recall following a strong run of form in domestic cricket.
Selector Tony Dodemaide backed both inclusions, highlighting their suitability for the conditions expected during the tournament.
“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,” Dodemaide said.
“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 the overall balance of the squad.”
Renshaw’s return comes on the back of impressive performances across formats, including his recent outings in the Big Bash League.
“Matt has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white-ball cricket for Australia, the Queensland Bulls and the Brisbane Heat,” Dodemaide added.
“With the top order settled and spin-heavy conditions expected during the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we feel Matt provides extra middle-order support, particularly with Tim David completing his return-to-play programme in the early phase of the tournament.”
Australia have leaned towards a spin-heavy squad for the Sri Lanka leg of the competition, with Adam Zampa leading the attack alongside left-armer Matthew Kuhnemann, supported by all-round options Glenn Maxwell and Cooper Connolly.
Despite Cummins’ absence, the squad still boasts a strong pace core featuring Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis and Cameron Green, with Mitchell Marsh set to lead the side.
Australia will play all of their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka and begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland in Colombo on February 11.
Australia squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
