Big blow to Australia, Pat Cummins out of initial matches of T20 World Cup 2026

The Australian team has suffered a big setback before the T20 World Cup 2026. Captain and fast bowler Pat Cummins will not be able to play in the initial matches of the tournament. Australian selection committee chairman George Bailey confirmed on Monday that Cummins is not fully fit yet and he may join the team around the third or fourth match of the tournament.

Why was Pat Cummins out?

Pat Cummins is currently recovering from lumbar bone stress injury. This problem came to light before the 2025-26 Ashes series, due to which he could not play four out of five Test matches. Although he did rigorous rehab during the Ashes and even took six wickets on his comeback in the Adelaide Test, it is still taking time for him to become fully fit. Due to which he has to be out of the initial matches.

Selector George Bailey confirmed

George Bailey talked about keeping Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David out of the three-match T20 series against Pakistan. He told that Tim David had a slight hamstring problem, but now he is on his way to being fit by the start of the tournament. The situation of Josh Hazlewood is also almost similar.

Bailey said that the situation of Pat Cummins is a little different and he will not be available in the initial matches of the World Cup. According to him, Cummins can join the team around the third or fourth match.

Australia does not want to rush

The Australian team management does not want to do anything hasty regarding Pat Cummins. Cummins has a history of back injuries in his career, so the selectors want to give him full time so that he can return fully fit. George Bailey said that if all goes well then the team wants Cummins to return without any risk. However, changes can be made in the plan if needed.

impact on team balance

Australia’s bowling attack may be affected in the absence of Pat Cummins, especially in the initial matches. Now the team management will keep an eye on how other fast bowlers handle the responsibility, until Cummins returns to the field after being fully fit.