In a major development, Australia’s fast bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on Saturday, February 7, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The announcement was made by Cricket Australia on Saturday, January 31.
It was stated:
“Star quick Pat Cummins will miss Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign as he continues to recover from a niggling back injury that has haunted him for more than six months.”
As a result, left-arm seamer Ben Dwarshuis has been called up to the squad. Additionally, from the previously announced provisional squad, Matthew Renshaw has been included, while Matt Short has been left out.
With Pat Cummins ruled out of the upcoming marquee event, here are three reasons why Australia shouldn’t worry despite the 32-year-old’s absence from the T20 World Cup 2026.
#1 Australia still have plenty of bowling firepower
Despite Pat Cummins set to miss the T20 World Cup 2026, Australia still possess ample bowling firepower in Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, and Xavier Bartlett. Hazlewood brings vast international experience, having featured in 60 T20Is and claimed 79 wickets, and was also a key member of Australia’s triumphant 2021 T20 World Cup squad.
Ellis has meanwhile established himself as Australia’s go-to pacer in T20Is, with the ability to change games through his incisive spells. The right-arm quick has played 32 matches in the format and picked up 50 wickets.
Bartlett further strengthens the attack, having taken 21 wickets in 17 T20Is, and is capable of delivering match-winning performances on any given day. Collectively, the trio ensures Australia remain well-covered in the fast-bowling department despite Cummins’ absence.
#2 Replacement Ben Dwarshuis in excellent form
Australia have drafted in Ben Dwarshuis as a replacement for the injured Pat Cummins. The left-arm seamer was recently in action during the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26, where he enjoyed an impressive campaign, picking up 16 wickets in 11 innings at an average of 18.81, a strike rate of 14.37 and an economy of 7.85, underlining his excellent recent form.
Dwarshuis has also represented Australia in 13 T20 Internationals, claiming 20 wickets at an average of 22.85, a strike rate of 14.7 and an economy rate of 9.32, bringing valuable international experience to the squad. As a left-arm pacer, he adds much-needed variety to Australia’s bowling attack, and his ability to contribute with the bat further enhances his value as a reliable all-round option.
#3 Pat Cummins’ absence could work in Australia’s favor
Another reason Australia need not worry about Pat Cummins’ absence from the T20 World Cup 2026 is that it could actually work in their favor, given the limited amount of T20 cricket the 32-year-old has played in the format over the past two years.
Since the 2024 T20 World Cup, Cummins has not featured in a single T20 International. His most recent appearance in the shortest format came during the IPL 2025, where he captained Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In that campaign, he played 14 matches and picked up 16 wickets at an average of 28.12, with a strike rate of 18.6 and an economy rate of 9.06.
With Cummins lacking consistent exposure to T20 cricket and having had limited international involvement over the past six months due to fitness concerns, his absence could allow Australia to field a more in-form and impactful option, potentially strengthening the side rather than weakening it.
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Edited by Dev Sharma
