Australian cricket team (AP Photo/KM Chaudary) Australia Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins believes the defending champions remain strong contenders for the upcoming T20 World Cup, even after his withdrawal from the tournament. Cummins opted out as a precaution due to a recurring broken back, an injury that requires careful treatment. Although initially included in Australia’s squad, the fast bowler has not featured in the T20 international team since the 2024 World Cup and eventually decided to take a chance.Speaking to The Guardian, Cummins highlighted the unpredictable nature of T20 tournaments, while touting Australia’s depth and experience. “T20 tournaments are always a bit of a joke. There are five teams here who have a real chance of winning, but any team can upset anyone at any stage. You just want to get through these first rounds unscathed to reach the Super 8s. That’s when you need guys who are fully fit and playing really good cricket. Yes, a few like Josh are still coming back to the top, but most of them played a major role in the Big Bash.
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Cummins also pointed to Australia’s ability to find form quickly, even if preparations look far from ideal. “They can shake it off. We led terribly in the 2021 World Cup and still won it. Australia don’t have to look too far to find form. Mitch Marsh and Travis Head are the most powerful opening batsmen in the world. Adam Zampa is a proven match-winner in Sri Lanka and India. And then there’s their own middle order of Glenn Maxwell and Tim David who can win their matches.”The decision to withdraw from the T20 World Cup was also influenced by Cummins’ long-term priorities in Test cricket. Australia face a demanding schedule of 20 Tests over a 10-month period in 2026-27, starting with two Tests against Bangladesh in August, followed by a three-Test tour of South Africa in September and a four-Test home series against New Zealand. In 2027, Australia will tour India, compete in an away Ashes series and host the ODI World Cup.“You can’t play everything. Even us older players who have been used to a lot of persuasion realize that we need a period every year to build or restore strength. Taking a break from a game or a series here or there means I can prioritize Tests. In the long run it means players will play more cricket than playing until we break,” explained Cummins.Regarding his evolving approach to managing the workload, he added: “The older I get, the better I have control of my body and feel for the game. Now I know when to push and when not to waste energy. With this injury, all the medics and coaches and I agreed not to mess with it.”
