Pat Cummins Out, Matthew Short dropped from Australia's T20 World Cup squad, replacements announced

Pat Cummins (Source:X)

Australia have suffered a major setback ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, with Pat Cummins ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury. Left-arm fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis has been named as his replacement in the final 15-member squad on Saturday, January 31.

It is important to note that Pat Cummins was included in Australia's provisional squad despite concerns about his fitness. The team management hoped to carry him through the early stages of the tournament while he continued to recover. 

However, selectors have now decided that the fast bowler needs more time to fully recover from his lumbar stress injury.

Pat Cummins needs more time to recover

Pat Cummins has not played any cricket since the Adelaide Test against England in mid-December. That match was his only appearance since July last year, when he first experienced symptoms of the back injury. 

After further assessment, Australia’s selectors confirmed he would not be fit in time for the World Cup. Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said Ben Dwarshuis was a ready replacement and a strong fit for the squad in place of Pat Cummins.

"Pat needs more time to recover from his back injury. Ben is a ready replacement who offers a left-arm pace option, dynamic fielding and the ability to hit late-order runs," Dodemaide said.

"We believe his ability to swing the ball at good pace along with clever variations will be well suited to the conditions we expect."

Dwarshuis earlier missed out on the original provisional squad but now has earned his place after strong performances. His inclusion will also add variety to Australia's bowling attack with a left-arm option.

Taking a look at Ben Dwarshuis stats in recent BBL 2025-26 for Sydney Sixers, the star player played 12 matches and scalped 16 wickets at an economy rate of 7.85.

Mathew Short dropped from Australia's T20 World Cup squad

In another change, Matthew Short has been dropped from the squad due to poor form. He has been replaced by Matt Renshaw, who has impressed in recent matches across formats.

Renshaw has played three ODI matches for Australia in 2025; he has scored 107 runs at an average of 53.50 and a strike rate of 95.54. In the recent BBL 2025-26 season, the 29-year-old players made 324 runs in 10 matches at an average of 36.00 and a strike rate of 153.55.

“Matt (Renshaw) has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white ball formats for Australia, the Queensland Bulls and the Brisbane Heat.

“With the top order settled and spin heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle order support, with Tim David completing his return to play program in the early phase of the tournament.

“As a left hander, he (Renshaw) also offers a point of difference to the middle order batting.”

Australia T20 World Cup Squad 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