Australia Suffer Massive Setback Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Australia’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 have taken a major hit after Pat Cummins was ruled out of the tournament due to his ongoing back injury, forcing selectors into late changes to the final squad.

Cummins had initially been included in Australia’s provisional 15 with the hope that he could be managed through the early part of the competition while continuing his recovery. However, Cricket Australia has now confirmed he needs more time to fully get over the issue, ending his World Cup campaign before it begins.

To cover the loss, Australia have drafted in Ben Dwarshuis as Cummins’ replacement in the final 15. Dwarshuis adds a left-arm pace option and was considered unlucky to miss out when the provisional squad was first announced.

Australia have also made a notable batting change, with Matthew Short dropped and Matt Renshaw brought into the squad on form.

Renshaw only recently made his T20I debut in Pakistan, but has been rewarded after strong white-ball performances across Australia’s domestic circuit and the Big Bash League (BBL). He also impressed on ODI debut against India in Australia late last year, particularly against the spinners.

While Cummins’ exclusion is a major blow, Australia have received some timely positives on the injury front.

Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis have all been passed fit for the World Cup. Hazlewood has been sidelined since suffering hamstring and Achilles issues prior to the Ashes. David missed most of the BBL and the Pakistan series because of a hamstring injury, while Ellis sat out the BBL finals and the Pakistan tour due to a hamstring niggle.

Australia Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Click here to read article