Pat Cummins ruled out of T20 World Cup due to injury

Jan 31, 2026
Sports

Image: Pat Cummins was initially included in Australia’s preliminary T20 World Cup squad (Collected. Al Jazeera. Andrew Bayers / Reuters)

Staff Report, PNN

Australia’s star fast bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the ICC T20 World Cup due to an ongoing back injury. Left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis has been included in the squad as his replacement.

Selectors, led by Tony Dodemaide, stated that Cummins needs more time to recover. Dwarshuis, who can bowl left-arm pace, field exceptionally, and contribute in the lower order, has been chosen to maintain balance in the squad. His swing and variation are expected to be effective for the team.

Cummins played only one of the five Tests against England in the ongoing Ashes series. Despite this, he had been included in the preliminary World Cup squad for the Super Eight stage. However, he could not recover fully from injury, leading to his exclusion.

Changes were also made in the batting lineup. Matthew Rensh replaced Matthew Short in the squad. Veteran batsman Steve Smith, despite good form, did not make the World Cup squad.

The Australian team, led by Mitchell Marsh, is currently playing a three-match T20 series in Pakistan as part of World Cup preparations. Matches in the World Cup will be held in India and Sri Lanka. The squad now includes Mitchell Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Hazlewood, Cooper Conolly, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Matthew Kuneman, Ben Dwarshuis, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Matthew Rensh, Nathan Ellis, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.