Pat Cummins Ruled Out of T20 World Cup 2026 as Australia Finalise Squad

Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign has been jolted before it begins.

Pat Cummins, one of the side’s most experienced leaders and strike bowlers, has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after failing to recover fully from a persistent back injury. His absence marks a significant setback as Australia chase another global title.

With Cummins unavailable, Australia have finalised a 15-member squad for the tournament, to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Mitchell Marsh will captain the side, taking charge of the 2021 champions in conditions expected to heavily favour spin.

Top-order batter Matthew Short has also missed out on selection, while Ben Dwarshuis and Matthew Renshaw have been drafted into the squad, offering balance and flexibility.

Explaining the selections, national selector Tony Dodemaide said Dwarshuis was a like-for-like replacement for Cummins, providing left-arm pace, swing, and strong athleticism in the field—attributes seen as crucial for subcontinent conditions.

“Ben is a ready replacement who offers a left-arm pace option, dynamic fielding and late-order hitting,” Dodemaide said, adding that his variations would suit the expected surfaces.

Renshaw’s inclusion, meanwhile, reflects Australia’s desire for depth and adaptability. With spin-heavy pitches anticipated, the selectors see him as valuable middle-order insurance, especially as Tim David completes his return-to-play programme during the early stages of the tournament.

Australia have been placed in Group B, alongside Ireland, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Oman. Their campaign begins against Ireland on February 11 at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium—a venue where adaptability, rather than raw pace, often decides outcomes.

For Australia, the road to another T20 crown now begins without Cummins but with renewed emphasis on balance, versatility, and leadership under Marsh.

(With inputs from ANI)