Melbourne, Australia – Star Australian paceman Pat Cummins will miss the upcoming T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India, Cricket Australia confirmed Saturday, January 31. Cummins has not fully recovered from a lingering back injury, ruling him out just one week before the tournament begins on February 7. This is a significant blow for the Australian squad, which is set to defend its 2021 title.
Long-Term Back Injury Forces Withdrawal
The injury plaguing Cummins is a lumbar bone stress issue in his lower back, which has troubled him for over six months. Symptoms of the injury first appeared in mid-December. Australia had pulled Cummins from Ashes duty with the T20 World Cup in mind, hoping for his recovery. While scans in January reportedly showed positive signs, Cricket Australia determined that Cummins needed more time to fully recover. Lumbar bone stress injuries are common among fast bowlers due to the repetitive strain on the lower spine. These injuries can lead to microscopic cracks in the bone, potentially worsening into fractures if not managed carefully.[sfchronicle+6]
Cummins, aged 32, has a history of back-related injuries throughout his career, which have previously kept him out of international cricket for extended periods. He missed the entire 2011-12 summer after his Test debut with a heel injury, and later suffered stress fractures in his back in 2012 and 2013. Despite these past setbacks, Cummins has become one of Australia's most consistent bowlers since his return in 2017, and also captains the Test and One Day International teams.[theweek+5]
Squad Changes Announced
Cricket Australia has named left-arm allrounder Ben Dwarshuis as the replacement for Pat Cummins in the 15-man squad. Dwarshuis offers a left-arm pace option, dynamic fielding, and late-order hitting capabilities. Selector Tony Dodemaide explained the decision, stating, "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 added, "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 overall structure of the squad."[sfchronicle+5]
Inanother change, top-order batter Matthew Short has been omitted from the squad. Matthew Renshaw, who made his T20 international debut just two days ago against Pakistan, will take his place. Dodemaide praised Renshaw, saying, "Matt (Renshaw) has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white ball formats for Australia, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat." He also noted that Renshaw, as a left-hander, provides a different option for the middle order, especially with spin-heavy conditions expected in Sri Lanka's pool stages. Mitchell Marsh will lead the Australian squad as captain for the tournament.[sfchronicle+5]
Impact on Australia's World Cup Campaign
Losing a player of Pat Cummins' caliber is a significant setback for Australia's T20 World Cup aspirations. Cummins is a key component of Australia's pace attack and has been instrumental in their recent successes across formats. His absence leaves a void in both experience and skill. Australia is currently playing a three-match warm-up series in Pakistan, trailing 2-0 with one match remaining.
The T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Australia's first match scheduled for February 11 against Ireland in Colombo. They will then face Zimbabwe on February 13, followed by matches against Sri Lanka on February 16 and Oman on February 20. Theteam aims to qualify for the Super Eights, which will include games in India. Theinclusion of Dwarshuis and Renshaw brings new dynamics to the squad as Australia prepares for a challenging tournament without one of its biggest stars.[sfchronicle+3]
