Left-handed pacer Ben Dwarshuis will replace Cummins, who was unable to recover in time for the tournament.
Published January 31, 2026
Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins has withdrawn from the ICC Twenty20 World Cup after failing to recover from a lower back injury and has been named as Ben Dwarshuis’ replacement for the tournament starting next month.
“With Pat needing more time to recover from his lower back injury, Ben is an immediate replacement who offers dynamic fielding and late hitting, as well as a left-arm pace option,” selector Tony Dodemide said on Saturday.
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“We believe his ability to swing the ball with great pace and smart variations will fit well with the conditions we anticipate and the overall makeup of the team.”
Cummins played in just one of the five Ashes Tests against England, but Australia kept him in their provisional World Cup squad in the hopes of being available for the Super 8 stage of the tournament in India and Sri Lanka.
Matt Renshaw was also replaced by fellow batsman Matthew Short, but veteran Steve Smith failed to make the World Cup squad despite performing well in the Big Bash League.
Mitchell Marsh’s side are currently playing a three-match T20 series in Pakistan as part of their preparations for the World Cup.
“We also feel that Matt will provide additional midfield support with Tim David completing his return program in the early stages of the tournament, as the top order is settled and spin-heavy conditions are expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka,” Dodemide said of Renshaw’s selection.
“As a left-handed pitcher, he can also score points for middle-order batters.”
Renshaw scored 15 points on his T20 debut for Australia in Thursday’s defeat in Lahore.
The former champions will begin their World Cup campaign against Ireland in Colombo on February 11.
Australia T20 World Cup squad: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Hazlewood, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Matthew Kuneman, Ben Dewarthuis, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Nathan Ellis, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
