Australia will miss fast bowler Pat Cummins at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after selectors ruled him out due to a lingering lower back injury. The team announced the change on Saturday as preparations continued for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka, which starts on February 7.
Cummins, who serves as Australia’s Test captain, featured in only one Ashes Test this summer while managing his recovery. He aimed to return in time for the T20 World Cup but could not reach full fitness.
Selectors added Ben Dwarshuis to the squad as Cummins’ replacement. Chair of selectors Tony Dodemaide said Dwarshuis offers valuable balance.
“With Pat needing more time to recover, Ben provides a left-arm pace option,” Dodemaide said. “He also brings strong fielding and useful lower-order hitting.”
Dodemaide added that Dwarshuis’s ability to swing the ball at pace suits the conditions expected on the subcontinent.
Renshaw Replaces Matt Short
The selectors made one other change to the provisional squad. Matthew Renshaw replaced Matt Short after Short struggled for form in the Big Bash League.
“Matt has impressed across formats in recent months,” Dodemaide said. “He has played multiple roles in white-ball cricket for Australia, Queensland, and the Brisbane Heat.”
Squad Built for Subcontinent Conditions
Australia named a spin-heavy squad to suit the conditions in Sri Lanka, where all group-stage matches will be played. Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and Cooper Connolly will support lead spinner Adam Zampa. All-rounder Glenn Maxwell adds part-time spin.
Big-hitter Tim David continues his return from a hamstring injury and is expected to play early in the tournament.
Australia will open their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland in Colombo on February 11.
Mitchell Marsh will lead the side as captain.
Australia T20 World Cup Squad
Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
