Australia have suffered a major setback just days before the start of the T20 World Cup 2026 because fast bowler Pat Cummins has been declared unfit to compete in the tournament because of his ongoing back problem. Cummins physical condition had not improved since the Ashes series because selectors decided to handle his playing time with caution.

Cricket Australia announced their 15-player team on Saturday January 31 which Mitchell Marsh will lead through Indian and Sri Lankan cricketing environments. Australia will be aiming to secure their second T20 World Cup title, but they will have to do so without several experienced names.

Cummins is the most high-profile omission but veteran batter Steve Smith and hard-hitting all-rounder Matt Short have also been left out. The selectors have instead chosen players who provide flexibility and multiple playing options which match the requirements of subcontinent weather.

Dwarshuis steps in as Australia rely on depth and firepower for T20 World Cup challenge

The selection panel member Tony Dodemaide explained that the left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis has been selected to replace Cummins in the team. Dodemaide explained that Dwarshuis can bowl at high speeds while swinging the ball which helps him create effective bowling variations and provides him the ability to bat lower in the order.

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Australia has been assigned to Group B together with Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. Their first match against Ireland will take place on February 11 in Colombo. The team will play their next two matches against Zimbabwe on February 13 and Sri Lanka on February 16 before facing Oman on February 20.

Australia maintains high offensive strength despite missing players. The batting order will begin with Travis Head and Marsh while Josh Inglis and Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell and Tim David will play in the middle order. The team will use Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis as their primary bowlers while Adam Zampa will lead the spin attack.

Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

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