creation of australia ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 The senior fast bowler has faced initial hurdles with pat cummins It is certain to miss the initial stages of the tournament. Australia’s chief selector confirmed this george baileyWho revealed that Cummins is unlikely to be available for the first few matches.
The Australian camp remains optimistic about Cummins’s eventual participation, but caution appears to be the guiding principle as the team looks to manage one of its most valuable all-format players during a demanding international calendar.
Why will Pat Cummins not play in the first few matches of T20 World Cup 2026?
Notably, Cummins is struggling with a lumbar stress injury, an issue that first surfaced 2025-26 Ashes series. His participation in that major competition was significantly hampered by injury, which forced him to sit out four of the five Test matches. Although he made a brief comeback during the third Test in Adelaide and took a brilliant six-wicket haul, the right-arm fast bowler later opted to withdraw from the remainder of the series to avoid aggravating the problem.
Medical advice and workload management have since played a central role in shaping Australia’s plans for Cummins, especially with a global event such as the T20 World Cup.
Speaking about Cummins’ availability, Bailey hinted that Australia is aiming for a slightly late entry for their fast bowler. According to the selectors, Cummins is expected to join the World Cup squad around the third or fourth match of the tournament, provided his rehabilitation proceeds without any setbacks.
“He’ll probably get into that World Cup group sometime after the tournament, around the third or fourth game. If we can, certainly, that’s the plan,” Bailey was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
Bailey stressed that the team would like Cummins to be available from the start, but has no intention of recalling him. Australia are prepared to adjust the composition of their team if the situation demands, he said, underscoring the importance of long-term fitness over short-term gains.
“Obviously, if something comes up and we’re forced to cover it, we will, but, yes, hopefully all things being equal, that’s the way it will work out,” Added Bailey.
Also read: Aakash Chopra selected Australia’s playing eleven for T20 World Cup 2026
Impact on Australia’s opening campaign
Cummins’ absence in the opening matches could affect Australia’s bowling combination in the early stages of the tournament. As a proven leader with extensive experience in high-pressure situations, his unavailability increased the onus on the remaining fast bowling group to perform well with both the new ball and at the death.
He said, Australia boasts a lot of depth in fast bowling and the team management is confident that the interim solution can keep the campaign on track until Cummins is ready to return.
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