Key points
- Pat Cummins ruled out with injury
- Ben Dwarshuis replaces Cummins in squad
- Steven Smith and Short miss selection
SYDNEY: Australia have announced their final 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with fast bowler Pat Cummins ruled out due to a persistent back injury.
Cummins, who was included in the provisional squad, has been replaced by left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis. Cricket Australia confirmed the skipper requires more time to recover from a lumbar stress injury and has not played since the Adelaide Test against England in December.
Selectors also made changes to the batting group, dropping Matthew Short and bringing in Matt Renshaw, who recently made his T20I debut during the ongoing series in Pakistan. Veteran batter Steven Smith has missed out on selection despite strong form in domestic and franchise competitions.
Chief selector Tony Dodemaide said Dwarshuis offers a like-for-like replacement, adding variety with his left-arm pace, fielding ability and late-order hitting. He also praised Renshaw’s versatility, noting the importance of having an additional left-handed batter for spin-heavy conditions expected in Sri Lanka.
Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis have all been cleared to return after recovering from recent injuries, strengthening Australia’s bowling options.
Australia will begin their World Cup campaign in Sri Lanka, where slower pitches and spin-friendly conditions are expected to play a major role in the group stage.
The tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, with Australia aiming to add another global title to their record.
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 (wk), Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa.
