Pat Cummins ruled out, no Steve Smith:Australia announce squad for T20 World Cup 2026, Matt Renshaw replaces Matthew Short

Australia have suffered a major setback ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as legendary fast bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. Cricket Australia confirmed the update on the social media platform X on Saturday, January 31, while announcing the revised squad for the mega event. The 20-team tournament will be played across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Five venues in India and three in Sri Lanka will host matches, with conditions expected to assist spin bowlers, especially during the Sri Lanka leg of the competition. Cummins, one of Australia’s most experienced and successful bowlers in recent years, last represented the national side in the third Test of the 2025–26 Ashes. His absence will leave a big gap in Australia’s pace attack for the global T20 event. Also read: Pakistan’s leaked press release confirms T20 World Cup travel plans: PCB media manager deletes message, Pak to depart for Sri Lanka on 2 February Ben Dwarshuis replaces injured Pat Cummins Pat Cummins has been replaced by left-arm fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis in the updated squad. The decision was taken as Cummins continues to recover from a back injury and needs more time before returning to competitive cricket. Cummins has taken 66 wickets in 57 T20I matches and last played a T20I on June 24, 2024, against India during the Super 8 stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup. His experience and leadership will be missed, especially in pressure situations. Australian selector Tony Dodemaide backed Dwarshuis to step up, saying the pacer offers swing, smart variations, strong fielding and late-order hitting. He also added that Dwarshuis’s bowling style suits the expected conditions in the tournament. Matt Renshaw roped in for Matthew Short Australia have also made a change in the batting department, with Matt Renshaw replacing Matthew Short in the squad. According to selectors, Renshaw’s recent performances across formats played a key role in his selection. Dodemaide said Renshaw has impressed in white-ball cricket for Australia, Queensland Bulls and the Brisbane Heat. With spin-friendly conditions likely in Sri Lanka, Renshaw is expected to provide stability and flexibility in the middle order. As a left-handed batter, Renshaw adds variety to the batting lineup. He will also offer cover while power-hitter Tim David completes his return-to-play program during the early stages of the tournament. Hazlewood to lead Australia’s bowling attack In Cummins’ absence, senior fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will take charge of Australia’s bowling unit. He will be supported by Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis and Ben Dwarshuis. Also read: India’s last match before T20 World Cup 2026: Sanju Samson’s form a major concern, Suryakumar Yadav nears Rohit Sharma’s record All-rounders Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis are also expected to contribute with the ball, providing medium-pace options alongside their batting strength. Australia’s first match on February 11 Australia is included in Group B, where it is joined by teams from Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Oman, and Ireland. The Australian team’s first match in the tournament is against Ireland on February 11 at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium. Australia is the strongest team in its group, but it is expected to face tough competition from Sri Lanka and Ireland. Australia will face Sri Lanka on February 16. The team will play its last league match against Oman on February 20. Before that, they also have to face Zimbabwe on February 13. Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2026 Mitchell Marsh (Captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa