Australia’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup has been finalized, with key changes due to injury and form. Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the tournament because of a persistent back injury, and he has been replaced by Ben Dwarshuis in the final 15-man squad. Dwarshuis, a left-arm pace bowler, comes in after missing out on the provisional squad and provides additional variety with his swing and pace.
Matthew Short has been dropped from the squad, making way for Matt Renshaw, who was included on the basis of strong white-ball form and recent performances. Renshaw, a left-hander, offers versatility in the middle order and is considered a strategic addition given the expected spin-heavy conditions in Sri Lanka. Despite his omission, Steven Smith remains in contention should an injury occur, though he is not part of the current squad.
Fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis have all been cleared to participate. Hazlewood, sidelined since injuring his hamstring and Achilles prior to the Ashes, has not played since December’s Adelaide Test. David and Ellis both recovered from hamstring issues that kept them out of recent series and the BBL finals.
Initially, Cummins was included in Australia’s provisional squad to support the team through the early stages while recovering from his back injury. After scans in January showed improvement, Cricket Australia announced he requires more time to fully recover. Sources indicate he is expected to be fit in time for the IPL.
The squad reflects a settled opening partnership of Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, with Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell also capable of opening in T20Is. Maxwell, who has previously scored a T20I century opening, is also the designated backup wicketkeeper, despite having never kept professionally. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis is the only specialist keeper in the squad, with former keeper-batter Matthew Wade available as part of the support staff.
Australia’s head coach and selectors expressed confidence in the squad’s balance, emphasizing Renshaw’s recent white-ball form and Dwarshuis’s pace options.
Australia’s T20 World Cup Squad:
Mitchell Marsh (captain), 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
