‘We were terrible leading into 2021 World Cup but won it’ – Pat Cummins on Australia’s series defeat to Pakistan ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Australia’s road to the T20 World Cup 2026 has not been smooth, and their Test captain Pat Cummins did not hide it. The veteran pacer openly admitted his side’s recent performances have been well below their standards, 

Cummins, who narrowly missed out on being part of Australia’s final 15-man World Cup squad due to a persistent back issue, was honest when asked about his team’s game leading into the multi-national event, stating the 3-0 T20I series loss to Pakistan was terrible.

The pacer, while admitting the recent failures was still confident of the Kangaroos’ chances in the World Cup, citing 2021 T20 World Cup victory as an example.

“They can shake that off. We were terrible leading into the 2021 World Cup and still won it. Australia don’t have to look too far back to find form. Mitch Marsh and Travis Head are the most powerful opening batsmen in the world. Adam Zampa’s spin is a proven match-winner in Sri Lanka and India. And then there’s the middle order of Glenn Maxwell and Tim David, who can win games on their own,” Cummins told The Guardian.

The series defeat in Pakistan, where Australia were whitewashed 3-0, highlighted several cracks in the team’s preparation. Cummins acknowledged that such losses are not a true reflection of Australia’s talent pool, and players like Josh Hazlewood are match-winners in their own right.

“T20 tournaments are always a bit funny. There are about five teams who have genuine chances to win it, but any team can upset anyone at any stage. You just want to get through these first rounds unscathed to reach the Super 8s. That’s when you need guys fully fit and playing really good cricket. Yes, a few like Josh are still coming back to peak, but most have had starring roles in the Big Bash,” he explained, underscoring confidence within the camp despite the series loss.

Australia’s preparation has also been disrupted by injuries. Alongside Cummins’ back problem, which ultimately ruled him out of the World Cup squad, key pacer Josh Hazlewood faces a delayed start, and other frontline player like Tim David are managing his fitness. 

The 2021 T20 World Cup champions will kick off their campaign against Ireland on February 11.