Australia Announce T20 World Cup Squad: Michell Marsh-led side hit by Pat Cummins injury blow

Australia have suffered a major setback ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, with star fast bowler Pat Cummins ruled out of the tournament due to a lingering back injury. Cricket Australia confirmed the development

while announcing two changes to the final 15-member squad for the marquee event, which begins on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka.

Cummins, one of Australia's most influential all-format players, has not recovered fully and will miss the entire tournament. The injury blow comes as a significant loss for the defending champions, given Cummins' experience, leadership, and ability to deliver in high-pressure matches.

In another notable change, top-order batter Matthew Short has been omitted from the original squad. Left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis and batter Matthew Renshaw have been drafted into the side as replacements.

Selectors Back Dwarshuis, Renshaw

Chair of selectors Tony Dodemaide expressed confidence in the revised squad, believing the new inclusions are well suited to the conditions expected during the tournament.

"With Pat needing more time to recover from his back injury, Ben is a ready replacement who offers a left-arm pace option as well as dynamic fielding and late-order hitting," Dodemaide said.

"We believe his ability to swing the ball at good pace along with clever variations will be well suited to the conditions we expect and the overall structure of the squad. "

Dwarshuis' inclusion adds variety to Australia's pace attack, particularly valuable in Indian and Sri Lankan conditions where variations and angles often prove decisive.

Renshaw Adds Middle-Order Depth

Dodemaide also highlighted Renshaw's recent form across formats as a key reason for his selection. "Matt has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white-ball formats for Australia, the Queensland Bulls and the Brisbane Heat," he said.

"With the top order settled and spin-heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle-order support, with Tim David completing his return-to-play program in the early phase of the tournament.

"As a left-hander, he also offers a point of difference to the middle-order batting. " Renshaw's ability to adapt to different roles could prove crucial as Australia look to balance aggression with stability on slower surfaces.

Australia Squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup

Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

Despite the absence of Cummins, Australia will hope their depth and experience help them mount a strong title defence in subcontinental conditions.