T20 World Cup 2026: Pat Cummins ruled out, Australia name young pacer as replacement

Pat Cummins. (Photo source: Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Australia have confirmed a last-minute change to their T20 World Cup 2026 squad, with Pat Cummins ruled out of the tournament due to a persistent back injury. Left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis has been added to the final 15-member squad as Cummins’ replacement, while Matt Renshaw comes in for Matthew Short, who has been dropped.

Cummins had been part of Australia’s provisional squad with the expectation of him getting fit in the later stages of the World Cup, but persistent issues with his lower back meant selectors felt he needed more time to recover fully. He has not played competitive cricket since the Adelaide Test against England in mid-December and is now expected to return post the multinational tournament.

In explaining Dwarshuis’ inclusion, Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said that with the senior pacer unavailable, the team wanted a pace option who could swing the ball and contribute in the field and with the bat down the order.

“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. 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,” Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said.

On the other hand, Renshaw has replaced Short, thanks to the former’s spin-heavy game and strong recent performances, which could benefit the 2021 champions to thrive in the Indian subcontinent conditions. The selector provided his thoughts on this selection as well.

“Matt has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white ball formats for Australia, the Queensland Bulls and the Brisbane Heat. As a left-hander, he [Renshaw] also offers a point of difference to the middle order batting,” Dodemaide explained.

Smith ignored despite stellar Big Bash League

The absence of Steven Smith from the final World Cup squad, despite his stellar Big Bash League form, signals a clear selection direction from Cricket Australia. He last played T20I for Australia in February 2024 and has not been a part of their setup in the shortest format of the game ever since.

Australia’s updated T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Mitchell Marsh (captain), 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 and Adam Zampa

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