Australia’s preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup have suffered a significant setback, with captain Pat Cummins ruled out of the tournament. Steve Smith was overlooked despite a strong run of form, as a young and evolving squad continues to struggle in challenging subcontinent conditions against the Pakistan national cricket team, just weeks out from the global event.
Cummins will miss the World Cup as he continues his recovery from a persistent back injury that has sidelined him for much of the Australian summer. Selectors have opted not to rush the fast bowler back, instead calling up Sydney Sixers left-armer Ben Dwarshuis as a replacement. The decision brings an end to hopes that Cummins could return in time for the tournament in Sri Lanka and India.
Former Test opener Matt Renshaw, who made his T20 international debut in Pakistan earlier this week, has also been added to the 15-man squad, replacing Matt Short. Despite mounting calls for his inclusion following a blistering Big Bash League cameo, Smith was not selected, with the panel prioritising balance and adaptability over experience.
Selector Tony Dodemaide said Dwarshuis was chosen to suit the expected conditions. He told the left-armer’s ability to swing the ball, use variations and contribute down the order made him a strong fit for slow, spin-friendly pitches. Dodemaide also pointed to Renshaw’s versatility, noting his recent performances across formats and his value as a left-handed middle-order option as Australia prepares for heavy spin conditions in the pool stages.
Australia’s squad reshuffle comes as the team continues to grapple with the realities of subcontinent cricket. The largely youthful T20 side has found consistency hard to come by in its current series against Pakistan, losing the opening match and struggling to control games in conditions that favour slower bowlers and tactical batting. Against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack and sharp fielding, Australia’s batters have been exposed by variable bounce, slower surfaces and a lack of experience in pacing T20 innings on the subcontinent.
The struggles have raised questions about Australia’s readiness heading into the World Cup, particularly with several senior players either unavailable or returning from injury. While the squad boasts power hitters such as Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, the team has at times appeared vulnerable against spin and under pressure during the middle overs — a phase that often decides matches in Sri Lanka and India.
Australia will play one further T20 international against Pakistan as part of the series, offering a final opportunity to adjust combinations and tactics before the World Cup begins. The tournament campaign opens against the Ireland national cricket team in Colombo on February 11, with conditions expected to test the squad’s adaptability from the outset.
With Cummins unavailable, Smith left out, and several younger players still finding their feet, Australia enters the World Cup in transition — hopeful that exposure against Pakistan and time in subcontinent conditions will harden a squad aiming to peak when it matters most.
Australian T20 World Cup squad:
Mitch 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.
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