Pat Cummins Withdraws from Australia’s T20 World Cup Squad Due to Injury
Pat Cummins, Australia’s fast bowler, has officially withdrawn from the ICC Twenty20 World Cup due to a persistent back injury. The event is set to commence next month, and his absence marks a significant change in the team lineup.
Replacement Named for Cummins
Ben Dwarshuis will step in for Cummins. This decision comes after selectors evaluated Cummins’ inability to recover in time for the tournament. Selector Tony Dodemaide emphasized Dwarshuis’s ability to provide a valuable left-arm pace option. He also noted the bowler’s excellent fielding skills and capability for late-order hitting.
Selection Insights
“Pat needs more time to recover, and Ben is a ready replacement,” Dodemaide stated. “His capability to swing the ball at pace and his clever variations will suit the expected playing conditions.”
Recent Performance and Squad Adjustments
Cummins participated in only one out of five Ashes Tests against England but remained in the provisional World Cup squad. Selector Tony Dodemaide had hoped for Cummins’ return in the Super Eight stage of the tournament, which will be held across India and Sri Lanka.
- Veteran batter Steve Smith was left out of the squad despite strong performances in the Big Bash League.
- Matthew Renshaw has replaced Matthew Short in the squad.
Current Preparation and Squad Details
The Australian team, led by Mitchell Marsh, is currently engaged in a three-match T20 series in Pakistan as part of their World Cup preparations. Dodemaide indicated that Renshaw adds valuable middle-order support, especially in spin-heavy conditions expected during the tournament.
Matt Renshaw scored 15 runs in his T20 debut against Pakistan, indicating potential for further contributions. The Australian squad for the T20 World Cup includes:
| Player |
|---|
| Mitchell Marsh (Captain) |
| Travis Head |
| Xavier Bartlett |
| Josh Hazlewood |
| Cooper Connolly |
| Josh Inglis |
| Tim David |
| Matthew Kuhnemann |
| Ben Dwarshuis |
| Glenn Maxwell |
| Cameron Green |
| Matthew Renshaw |
| Nathan Ellis |
| Marcus Stoinis |
| Adam Zampa |
Australia will kick off their World Cup journey against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo. The team is making strategic adjustments to maximize their performance, especially in light of the injuries affecting key players.
