Australia face pace crisis: Who can replace Nathan Ellis in T20 World Cup 2026?

Ben Dwarshuis can replace Nathan Ellis  (Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com, @SquadSadda32936/x.com)

Injuries are the scariest thing in cricket for both a player and the team, and no one is experiencing it harder than Australia. With the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, a string of setbacks is hitting the Aussies hard, with Nathan Ellis becoming the latest victim.

Suffering a hamstring injury against the Brisbane Heat, he missed the match against the Melbourne Stars and is now ruled out for the rest of the BBL. Just before the marquee event, it deepened Australia’s trouble.

Possible replacements of Nathan Ellis in the T20 World Cup 2026

Before stepping into the T20 World Cup 2026, Australia will face Pakistan in a three-match T20I series, and Ellis has been rested for the series. While the break gives him time to recover, doubts still linger over his availability for the mega event.

As Australia has never been short of talent, there are some talented bowlers in the lineup who can replace Nathan Ellis in Australia’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026.

1. Ben Dwarshuis

If Nathan Ellis is ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026, Australia may be forced to rethink their pace attack, and Ben Dwarshuis could emerge as a timely solution. Along with his exceptional ability to swing the new ball, the side can find a power-hitter in him.

His T20I stats may look average, but the BBL has seen some of his explosive spells. Batters have always struggled against his remarkable pace, and the ongoing edition of the BBL is witnessing this. With 16 wickets in 11 matches, he has stamped his authority on the shortest format once again.

Let’s have a look at his stats in the shortest format

2. Mahli Beardman

The name might look new to the cricket fans as the young Australian bowler is yet to make his debut for the country. But even with that milestone on hold, the 20-year-old right-arm fast-medium bowler is making sure he turns heads, delivering standout performances across the domestic circuit and the BBL.

As Australia is set to lock horns with Pakistan in a three-match T20I series just before the T20 World Cup 2026, may be a debut in the shortest format in the cards. If Ellis misses out, the young pacer can be a good choice.

Let’s have a look at his stats in the shortest format

3. Sean Abbott

Australia gifted some of the biggest pacers over the years, and Sean Abbott is one of them. After tearing through the domestic circuit, the seasoned quick carried his searing pace to the big stage, leaving batters in all sorts of trouble. In international cricket, he has repeatedly delivered match-winning spells in the shortest format

Sean Abbott may have been out of Australia’s T20I squad since November 2025, but with Nathan Ellis sidelined, the team will be hunting for experience and firepower. Being in Australia’s squad for the T20 series against Pakistan, he can see a smooth transfer to the World Cup squad.

Let’s have a look at his stats in the shortest format

Final verdict

There are plenty of quality pacers in the Australian ranks who can replace Ellis, but if the team needs an X-factor, then they should go for Mahli Beardman, who has done well in the BBL and is riding high on confidence.