Cummins Ruled Out of T20 World Cup as Australia Finalise Squad; Short Dropped, Renshaw In, No Room for Smith

Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the 2026 T20 World Cup after failing to recover in time from a lingering back injury, with Australia confirming Ben Dwarshuis as his replacement in the final 15-man squad. Matthew Short has also been dropped on form, making way for Matt Renshaw, while Steven Smith has again missed selection despite his prolific Big Bash League campaign.

Cummins had been included in Australia’s provisional squad with the hope that he could be managed through the early stages of the tournament as he rebuilt fitness. However, Cricket Australia confirmed that the fast bowler “needs more time” to fully recover. Cummins has not played since the Adelaide Test against England in mid-December, his only match since July after developing symptoms of a lumbar stress injury. While scans in January were encouraging, the decision was taken not to risk him at the World Cup. He is expected to be fully fit in time for the IPL.

Left-arm quick Ben Dwarshuis comes into the squad after narrowly missing out on the provisional 15, adding variation to Australia’s pace attack. Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis have all been cleared fit despite recent injury concerns. Hazlewood has not played since injuring his hamstring and Achilles prior to the Ashes, David missed much of the BBL and the Pakistan series with a hamstring injury, and Ellis was sidelined for the BBL finals and Pakistan tour.

Short’s omission reflects both his poor recent form and Australia’s desire to strengthen their middle-order options against spin. Renshaw, who made his T20I debut on Friday in Pakistan, has been rewarded for sustained white-ball performances at domestic and BBL level, as well as an impressive ODI debut against India last year.

“With Pat needing more time to recover from his back injury, Ben is a ready replacement who offers a left-arm-pace option as well as dynamic fielding and late-order hitting,” selector Tony Dodemaide said. “Matt has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white-ball cricket.

“With spin-heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we feel Matt provides extra middle-order support. As a left-hander, he also offers a point of difference.”

The inclusion of Renshaw has left no space for Smith, whose outstanding BBL form had reignited calls for a recall. Smith has not played T20I cricket since March 2024 and was also omitted from the 2024 T20 World Cup squad. Selectors, however, have indicated he remains first in line should an injury occur.

“Steve is an exceptional player who has worked very hard on his short-form game,” Dodemaide said. “The current T20 top order has been very successful building into this tournament, so we feel we’re well placed. If a replacement is required, Steve is very much in contention.”

Australia’s top order is settled with captain Mitchell Marsh and vice-captain Travis Head, while Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell also provide opening options. Maxwell, who has previously opened successfully in spin-friendly conditions, is also listed as the squad’s emergency wicketkeeping option, with Josh Inglis the only specialist keeper selected. Former wicketkeeper Matthew Wade will attend the World Cup as part of the coaching staff.

Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2026:
Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.