Australia have suffered a major blow ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with star fast bowler Pat Cummins ruled out of the event due to injury.
According to the Australian Cricket Board, Pete Cummins has not fully recovered from his old back injury, so he will not be able to participate in the T20 World Cup that starts on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
Apart from this, top batsman Matthew Short was also dropped from the starting 15. Cricket Australia have replaced left-arm fast bowler Ben Duwarshuis and batsman Matthew Renshaw in the squad with Pat Cummins and Matthew Short.
Chief selector Tony Doody-Mide said Pete Cummins needs more time to be fully fit while Ben Duwarshuis is an excellent replacement with a left-hander capable of good fielding and quick running in lower numbers.
He added that different swings and variations at bean speed are suitable for Asian conditions.
He said spin conditions are expected during the pool matches in Sri Lanka, in which case Matthew Renshaw will provide additional strength in the middle order.
According to the chief selector, who is a left-handed batsman, Matthew Renshaw will provide a different and valuable option in the middle order.
