Australia has suffered a major blow ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup with Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins ruled out due to a persistent back injury. Top-order batter Matthew Short has also been dropped from the squad. In a swift reshuffle, selectors have brought in pace bowler Ben Dwarshuis to replace Cummins and Matthew Renshaw for Short, aiming to bolster the team’s depth for the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 6.
Selector Tony Dodemaide expressed confidence in the new inclusions. ‘Pat needs more time to recover from his back issue, so Ben steps in as a ready replacement. He’s a left-arm quick who offers swing with good pace, smart variations, excellent fielding, and the ability to hit big shots down the order. We believe his skills will suit the conditions and our overall team structure,’ Dodemaide stated.
On Renshaw, Dodemaide added, ‘Matt has impressed across formats recently for Australia, Queensland Bulls, and Brisbane Heat in white-ball cricket. With the pool stage in Sri Lanka featuring spin-friendly pitches and a need for top-order stability, Matt also provides middle-order support. Tim David is working through his return-to-play program early in the tournament.’
Without Cummins, Josh Hazlewood will lead the bowling attack, supported by Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Dwarshuis. All-rounders Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis will play key roles with their medium-pace bowling. Australia finds itself in Group B alongside Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.
The updated Australian squad features Mitchell Marsh as captain, flanked by Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, David, Dwarshuis, Green, Ellis, Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Renshaw, Stoinis, and Adam Zampa. This revamped lineup promises a blend of experience and fresh talent as Australia targets glory in the shortest format.