George Bailey confirms Pat Cummins RULED OUT of T20 World Cup 2026 matches

Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins is set to miss at least the opening matches of the 2026 T20 World Cup, as confirmed by selector George Bailey on Monday. Bailey revealed that Cummins is expected to join the squad later in the tournament and is unlikely to be available until around the third or fourth game.

Cummins is still recovering from a lumbar bone stress injury. The issue first surfaced before the 2025-26 Ashes series and forced him to miss four of the five Tests. Cummins underwent an intensive rehabilitation plan during the Ashes and briefly returned in the third Test at Adelaide, where he took six wickets.

He'll Probably Join That World Cup Group... - George Bailey on Pat Cummins

George Bailey clarified the exclusion of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David from Australia’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Pakistan. He also shared an update on when each player is expected to return.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Bailey explained that David had a minor setback in his hamstring recovery last week but remains on track to be ready for the start of the tournament. He added that Hazlewood is in a similar situation, while Cummins is likely to return around the third or fourth match of the tournament.

“[David] had a very minor setback (for hamstring injury recovery), I think last week, so didn’t quite get through a running session that he was hoping to, but has since been cleared of any damage," Bailey said.

“It was just, I think, on the back of a heavy week. So he’s still tracking for the start of the tournament. Josh is in the same boat and Pat’s a little bit different … he’ll probably join that World Cup group a little bit later in the tournament, around game three or four."

That's The Plan - George Bailey on Pat Cummins

Australia want to take a cautious approach with Pat Cummins, with selectors keen to give him maximum time to recover from his latest back injury.

Given Cummins’ long history of back stress issues, the management prefers not to rush his return. George Bailey said the plan is to allow a full recovery if possible, while remaining flexible in case circumstances force a change.

“If we can, absolutely, that’s the plan," Bailey said. “Clearly, if something moves and we’re forced to cover that, we will, but, yes, hopefully all things being equal, that’ll be how that one plays out."

Australia Announce Squad For T20I Series Against Pakistan

Australia have announced a 17-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Pakistan, which starts on January 29. Several senior players are missing due to injury and workload management.

Five members of Australia’s 2026 T20 World Cup group — Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, and Nathan Ellis — were not selected. Maxwell and Ellis have been rested, while the others are unavailable due to fitness concerns.

Fast bowler Mahli Beardman and all-rounder Jack Edwards earned call-ups following strong Big Bash League performances. Beardman has taken eight wickets, while Edwards has picked up 15 wickets. Australia have also included Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Mitch Owen, Josh Phillippe, and Matt Renshaw.

Also read: Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill deported back to domestic cricket after NZ ODIs shame