Cummins Out, Star Dropped in Australia’s Late World Cup Squad Update
Australia is making significant changes to its T20 World Cup squad as star pacer Pat Cummins has been ruled out due to an ongoing back injury. Cricket Australia announced this update on Saturday night, just ahead of the tournament set to commence in Sri Lanka and India next weekend.
Cummins Out, Dwarshuis In
Pat Cummins, who faced restrictions during the Ashes series, will not participate in the world event. His spot has been filled by Ben Dwarshuis, a left-arm fast bowler from the Sydney Sixers. Dwarshuis boasts an impressive record, having taken 16 wickets in the recent Big Bash League with an economy rate of 7.85.
Selection Decisions
- Cummins unable to recover from his back injury.
- Dwarshuis replaces Cummins in the squad.
- Matthew Renshaw called up, replacing Matthew Short.
- Short dropped after averaging 28 in the BBL.
Australian selector Tony Dodemaide emphasized Dwarshuis’s capabilities. “His ability to swing the ball at good pace will suit the expected conditions,” Dodemaide stated. Dwarshuis’s dynamic fielding and hitting are also expected to enhance the squad’s performance.
Notable Absences
Despite his strong performance in the Big Bash League, Steve Smith was not recalled to the team. Smith scored 299 runs at an average of 59.80 over six games. He was outperformed by Renshaw, who made an impressive 324 runs for the Brisbane Heat and was named in the BBL15 team of the tournament.
Renshaw’s inclusion is aimed at strengthening Australia’s middle order. The selectors believe that his left-handed batting style will provide a unique dynamic to the squad, particularly in spin-heavy conditions expected during the pool stages.
Upcoming Matches
Australia will play two T20I matches against Pakistan in Lahore this weekend, following a loss in their recent series opener. The team’s T20 World Cup journey begins against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo.
Australia’s 2026 T20 World Cup Squad
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Marsh (C) | Captain |
| Xavier Bartlett | Bowler |
| Cooper Connolly | All-rounder |
| Tim David | Batter |
| Ben Dwarshuis | Bowler |
| Cameron Green | All-rounder |
| Nathan Ellis | Bowler |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler |
| Travis Head | Batter |
| Josh Inglis | Wicket-keeper |
| Matt Kuhnemann | Bowler |
| Glenn Maxwell | All-rounder |
| Matt Renshaw | Batter |
| Marcus Stoinis | All-rounder |
| Adam Zampa | Bowler |
As Australia prepares for the tournament, all eyes will be on the new squad dynamic and how they perform in their upcoming matches.
