The Australian side has faced a massive setback as their ODI World Cup-winning captain, Pat Cummins, has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on February 07 where they will begin their campaign on February 11 against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Their veteran batter, Steve Smith, who has gone through a strong performance in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025/26 after completing the home Test summer, has continued to be left out in the batting line-up. This highlights the boldness of their decision to have Pat Cummins ready for the Ashes.

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Sydney Sixers’ left-arm pacer, Ben Dwarshuis, has been drafted into the final 15-member squad, as has Matthew Renshaw, who comes in at the expense of Matthew Short, who has paid the price for a moderate performance in the Big Bash League (BBL).  

Pat Cummins ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026

Cummins has picked up 66 wickets in 57 T20I innings at an average of 23.57 and a strike rate of 19 and an economy rate of 7.44, thanks to the best bowling figures of 3/15 in an innings. His experience of playing in the IPL and India will be missed by the national side.

“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 a good pace, along with clever variations, will be well-suited to the conditions we expect and overall structure of the squad.” The selector Tony Dodemaide reacted to the omission of Cummins.

“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 Programme in the early phase of the tournament.” He informed.

Australia’s confirmed squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Mitch Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Matthew Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Cooper Connolly, Matt Kuhnemann, Xavier Bartlett.