Australia’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have been impacted as captain and leading fast bowler Pat Cummins will not participate due to injury. Cricket Australia announced that Cummins has not fully recovered from an ongoing back problem and will miss the tournament, which starts on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
His absence removes a key player and leader for Australia, especially in crucial matches, forcing the selectors to rethink their team strategy for the competition.
Steve Smith and Matthew Short left out of Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Another important topic from Australia’s final squad announcement is the exclusion of Steve Smith. There was increasing demand for his selection after a strong performance in the Big Bash League, where he scored 299 runs in six innings, averaging 59.80 with a strike rate of 167.97. This performance highlighted his continued importance in T20 cricket.
However, selectors chose not to include Smith, indicating a preference for players with greater versatility rather than just outstanding domestic performance.
Top-order batsman Matthew Short was also notably omitted as the team finalized their World Cup lineup. The absence of both Short and Smith emphasized the selectors’ focus on team balance over individual achievements.
Selectors announce replacements for Pat Cummins in T20 World Cup 2026
Following these changes, left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis and versatile batter Matthew Renshaw have been named as replacements, enhancing both bowling and batting options.
Selector Tony Dodemaide explained that Dwarshuis was a suitable choice to replace Cummins due to the team’s requirements and anticipated conditions during the tournament.
“With Pat needing more time for recovery from his back injury, Ben is a ready replacement who provides a left-arm pace option, strong fielding, and late-order hitting,” Dodemaide stated.
“His ability to swing the ball quickly and use clever variations will fit well with the expected conditions and the overall squad structure.”
Dwarshuis’ abilities add variety to Australia’s pace attack, particularly useful on the slower pitches expected in parts of the tournament.
Dodemaide also mentioned why Renshaw was chosen, highlighting his versatility across formats and positions.
“Matt has performed well in various roles in white-ball formats for Australia, the Queensland Bulls, and the Brisbane Heat,” he said.
“With the top order settled and spin-friendly conditions anticipated in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we see Matt as valuable middle-order support, especially as Tim David works on his return during the early tournament phase. Being a left-hander also adds a different dynamic to the middle order.”
Australia, placed in Group B of the tournament, will start their T20 World Cup 2026 journey against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo.
Australia’s 15-man squad for 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.
