Sat Jan 31 08:13:56 UTC 2026: # Cummins Ruled Out of T20 World Cup, Dwarshuis Named Replacement
The Story:
Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup due to a nagging back injury. Left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis has been named as his replacement. The announcement was made on Saturday, with selector Tony Dodemaide citing Dwarshuis’s left-arm pace option, dynamic fielding, and late-order hitting as key reasons for his selection. Meanwhile, Matt Renshaw also replaced Matthew Short, and Steve Smith did not make the squad.
Key Points:
- Pat Cummins ruled out of T20 World Cup due to a back injury.
- Ben Dwarshuis named as Cummins’ replacement, offering a left-arm pace option.
- Matt Renshaw replaces Matthew Short, providing middle-order support as a left-handed batter.
- Steve Smith missed out on selection despite strong Big Bash League form.
- Australia’s World Cup campaign begins against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo.
- The squad is currently playing a three-match T20 series in Pakistan in preparation for the World Cup.
- Mitchell Marsh is the captain of the squad.
Key Takeaways:
- Injury Impact: Cummins’ absence is a blow to Australia’s pace attack, forcing a change in team dynamics.
- Squad Balance: The selections of Dwarshuis and Renshaw emphasize the need for squad depth and tactical flexibility, particularly given the expected conditions in Sri Lanka.
- Strategic Preparation: Australia is actively preparing for the World Cup through a T20 series in Pakistan, indicating a focus on adapting to different conditions before the tournament.
First Piper 