The Australian cricket camp has been hit hard just before the 2026 T20 World Cup, with Pat Cummins officially sidelined by his nagging back injury and Matthew Short axed from the squad. Fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis and batsman Matthew Renshaw step up as replacements, injecting fresh energy into the team for the high-stakes event from February 7 to March 6 in India and Sri Lanka.
Selector Tony Dodemaide outlined the rationale behind the moves. For Dwarshuis: ‘With Pat needing more time, Ben’s left-arm swing at pace, clever variations, elite fielding, and lower-order power make him a seamless fit for our bowling plans and match situations.’
Renshaw’s selection was equally compelling. ‘Matt’s form across formats for Australia, Bulls, and Heat has been top-notch. He’ll set the top order in Sri Lanka’s spin-dominated pool phase and bolster the middle order. Tim David is progressing well in his rehab.’
Bowling duties fall to Josh Hazlewood, aided by Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Dwarshuis. Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis’s medium pace will be crucial. In Group B, Australia faces Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe under Mitchell Marsh’s leadership.
Complete squad: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa. Australia’s resilience shines through these changes, promising an electrifying tournament run.