Australia have suffered a major setback ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as star fast bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the tournament. Cricket Australia confirmed on January 31, 2026, that Cummins will not be part of the final 15-member squad for the marquee event, set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. The late decision comes just days before the tournament and has significantly impacted Australia’s leadership group. Cummins, who leads the side in Tests and ODIs, was also a key figure in Australia’s victorious 2021 T20 World Cup campaign. Left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis has been named as his replacement, while Mitchell Marsh will continue to captain the team.
Why Pat Cummins Was Ruled Out of T20 World Cup 2026
Pat Cummins will not feature in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after Australia decided to leave him out of their final squad due to an ongoing back injury. The announcement was made on January 31, just one week before the tournament opener. Cricket Australia stated that the decision was taken to avoid aggravating the injury and to protect Cummins’ long-term fitness. Cummins’ absence is a significant blow for Australia, not just because of his bowling quality, but also due to his leadership experience. He has captained Australia across formats and was a key member of the squad that lifted the T20 World Cup in 2021.
Pat Cummins Back Injury: What Is Lumbar Bone Stress?
Cummins is currently dealing with lumbar bone stress, an injury involving tiny fractures in the lower spine caused by repeated high-intensity bowling workloads. Fast bowlers are particularly vulnerable to this condition due to the twisting motion and impact involved in their action. Medical experts advised extended rest after scans conducted in January revealed that the injury had not fully healed. Cricket Australia made it clear that rushing Cummins back could lead to a more serious breakdown.
Ben Dwarshuis Replaces Pat Cummins in Australia’s T20 World Cup Squad
Left-arm fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis has been drafted into the squad as Cummins’ replacement. Known for his swing bowling and control in the powerplay, Dwarshuis impressed selectors with his recent domestic and international performances. At 27, the T20 World Cup will be Dwarshuis’ biggest international challenge yet, but team management believes his skill set suits subcontinent conditions.
Australia T20 World Cup 2026 Final Squad Announced
Mitchell Marsh will lead Australia in the tournament. The final squad includes Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Renshaw, and Ben Dwarshuis, among others. Notably, Steve Smith has also been left out as selectors opted for a more power-packed and all-rounder-heavy combination tailored for T20 conditions.
Impact of Pat Cummins’ Absence on Australia’s T20 World Cup Campaign
Without Cummins, Australia lose a strike bowler and a tactical leader. Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa will shoulder the responsibility of leading the bowling attack, especially on spin-friendly pitches in India and Sri Lanka. The team will rely more on all-rounders like Marsh, Maxwell, and Stoinis to balance the side. While the absence hurts, Australia’s depth ensures they remain strong contenders.
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What’s Next for Pat Cummins After T20 World Cup 2026?
Cricket Australia expects Cummins to make a full recovery in time for the IPL later this year. Long-term, he remains central to Australia’s Test and ODI plans, with management prioritising his fitness over short-term gains. The decision to rest Cummins now could prove crucial in extending one of Australia’s most successful fast-bowling careers.
