Australia will be without one of their biggest match-winners at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Pat Cummins officially ruled out of the tournament. Cricket Australia confirmed the update on X on Saturday, January 31, while announcing a revised squad for the marquee event.
The 20-team tournament will be held from February 7 to March 8 across five venues in India and three in Sri Lanka.
Australia Confirm Squad Update for T20 World Cup 2026, Cummins Ruled Out
Pat Cummins, who last featured for Australia in the third Test of the 2025–26 Ashes, has been replaced by left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis. Meanwhile, Matt Renshaw comes into the squad as a replacement for Matthew Short.
The fast-bowling all-rounder has enjoyed a solid T20I career, picking up 66 wickets in 57 matches. His most recent T20I appearance came against India during the Super 8s of the 2024 T20 World Cup on June 24. Pat Cummins was also part of Australia’s title-winning squad in the 2021 edition.
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Hazlewood to Lead the Bowling Attack
With Pat Cummins unavailable, Josh Hazlewood will take charge of Australia’s pace unit. He will be supported by Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and the newly added Dwarshuis.
Australia’s all-rounders are also expected to play a key role. Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis will provide valuable medium-pace options alongside their batting contributions.
Selectors Confident in New Additions
Australian selector Tony Dodemaide expressed confidence in both Dwarshuis and Renshaw, backing them to make an impact during the tournament.
“With Pat needing more time to recover from his back injury Ben is a ready replacement who offers a left-arm pace option as well as dynamic fielding and late-order hitting,” Dodemaide said.
“We believe his ability to swing the ball at good pace along with clever variations will be well suited to the conditions we expect and overall structure of the squad.”
He also highlighted Renshaw’s recent form across formats.
“Matt (Renshaw) has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white ball formats for Australia, the Queensland Bulls and the Brisbane Heat.”
“With the top order settled and spin heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle order support, with Tim David completing his return to play program in the early phase of the tournament.”
Australia Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
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