BREAKING NEWS: Pat Cummins ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 as Australia make two massive changes to squad

Pat Cummins’ absence will be a big blow to Australia’s chances of winning the T20 World Cup 2026.

Australia enter the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 as one of the strong contenders, boasting a potent mix of explosive batting firepower, all-round versatility, and spin options tailored for subcontinental conditions, particularly in Sri Lanka where their group-stage matches will be played.

Under captain Mitchell Marsh, the team features aggressive openers like Travis Head and Marsh himself, dynamic middle-order hitters such as Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green, and Tim David, and a balanced bowling attack led by pace spearheads Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis, complemented by wrist-spinner Adam Zampa and left-armer Matt Kuhnemann.

The squad’s depth in white-ball cricket, recent BBL form, and experience in high-pressure tournaments position Australia well to challenge for the title, especially with their ability to adapt to spin-heavy pitches.

Pat Cummins ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 with back injury

Just a week before the marquee event, Australia have been dealt a major blow, with star fast bowler and regular Test captain Pat Cummins ruled out of the tournament due to a lingering back injury.

Cummins, who last played in mid-December during the Ashes series against England, was initially included in the provisional squad with hopes of managing his recovery through the early rounds.

However, recent assessments showed he needs more time to fully regain fitness, with scans indicating incomplete healing from a lumbar stress issue that first surfaced last July. Selectors have confirmed he is unlikely to be available, though he is expected to be fit for the upcoming IPL.

To fill the void, left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis has been named as his replacement in the final 15-member squad. Dwarshuis, previously overlooked for the provisional list, brings valuable left-arm swing, clever variations, dynamic fielding, and lower-order hitting.

Australia selector Tony Dodemaide praised him as a “ready replacement” well-suited to the expected conditions, adding pace and variety to the attack alongside Hazlewood and Ellis.

In a separate change, Matthew Short was dropped following underwhelming recent form, particularly in the Big Bash League. Matt Renshaw replaces him, while Steve Smith remains omitted despite his outstanding performances in the recently concluded BBL.

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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