Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to a back injury, while Matt Short has been dropped as Australia confirmed their final 15-member squad for the tournament set to begin in India and Sri Lanka from February 7.
Cummins remains in recovery from his back injury, prompting a late call-up for Ben Dwarshuis to the Australia T20I squad for the World Cup. Short, who was included in the initial squad, has been replaced by Matthew Renshaw as Australian selectors opted to bolster their middle order, given the numerous options already available at the top.
Steve Smith is another significant omission from the squad. Demands for his inclusion in Australia’s World Cup squad grew louder following an outstanding BBL campaign, during which he amassed 299 runs in six innings at an average of 59.80 and a strike rate of 167.97.
Australia squad for T20 World Cup: Mitchell Marsh (c), 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
“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,” Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said. “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.
“Matt (Renshaw) has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white ball formats for Australia, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat,” Dodemaide added.
“With the top order settled and spin heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle-order support, with Tim David completing his return-to-play program in the early phase of the tournament. As a left-hander, he also offers a point of difference to the middle order batting.”
Australia are currently in Pakistan playing a three-match T20I series in the build-up to the World Cup. Placed in Group B, they begin their campaign against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo, followed by matches against Zimbabwe on February 13 in Colombo, Sri Lanka on February 16 in Pallekele and Oman on February 20 in Pallekele.
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