T20 World Cup: Pat Cummins ruled out of the tournament

Australia’s Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka due to a nagging back injury.

Test captain Cummins, 32, managed just one appearance in his side’s 4-1 Ashes win over England, with his back causing him problems for more than six months.

Australia kept him in the provisional squad for the World Cup, but selected Ben Dwarshuis in the final squad, with Matt Short also left out of former Test opener Matthew Renshaw, who made his T20 debut this week.

“With Pat needing more time to recover from his back injury, Ben is a ready-made replacement who provides the option of left-arm pace as well as dynamic fielding and late-round batting,” said Tony Dudemaid.

“We believe his ability to swing the ball at good pace coupled with smart changes will be a perfect fit for the conditions we expect and the overall structure of the team.”

Australia, led by Mitchell Marsh, are currently playing a three-match T20 series in Pakistan as part of their preparations for the tournament.

Veteran batsman Steve Smith has not been able to break into the World Cup squad despite his strong form in the Big Bash League.

They begin their World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo.

“With the top order leveling off and difficult conditions expected in Sri Lanka’s pool stages, we also feel Matt provides additional middle-level support, with Tim David completing his return to play program in the early stage of the tournament,” Dudemaid said of Renshaw’s selection.

“As a left-handed player, he also offers a point of difference as a middle-order batsman.”