Australia’s preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026, starting February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, have suffered a setback. Test captain Pat Cummins is expected to miss the opening 2-3 matches of the tournament due to a lingering bone stress injury in his back, sustained before the Ashes 2025-26.
Cummins’ Recovery Timeline
Australian Chief Selector George Bailey confirmed that the veteran pacer is unlikely to be fully fit until the middle of the T20 World Cup. “Pat Cummins will join us a little later, probably by our third or fourth match. If anything changes, we will have to cover for him,” Bailey said. Cummins’ absence is a blow not just for Australia but also for his IPL 2026 team, Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he serves as captain.
Impact on IPL and Ashes 2025-26
Cummins has struggled with the injury since before the Ashes series against England. He managed to play only one out of the five Tests and returned for the third Adelaide Test, where he took six wickets in the Pink Ball Test. However, he missed the subsequent matches due to fitness concerns.
Pakistan T20I Series Also Missed
Cummins will also miss the T20I series against Pakistan from January 29 to February 1, which serves as part of both teams’ T20 World Cup preparations. Following the series, Australia will head to Sri Lanka, starting their World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo. Bailey confirmed that Cummins will join the team in Sri Lanka, not for the Pakistan series.
Other Key Players Rested
Australia has also rested Josh Hazelwood, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis during the Pakistan series. Their absence opens opportunities for players like Sean Abbott, Mahli Behrendorff, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Josh Philippe, Mitch Owen, and Matt Renshaw.
Workload Management for Maxwell and Ellis
Bailey explained that Maxwell and Ellis are being managed for workload ahead of the Big Bash League (BBL) Finals. “You may call it a rest, but we call it preparation. This ensures that when they join the World Cup squad, they are ready to perform at their best,” he said. Hazelwood and David were rested due to injury recovery.
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