Australia have received an early setback ahead of the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, with chief selector George Bailey confirming that Pat Cummins is set to miss at least the first few matches of the tournament. Speaking on Monday, January 19, Bailey revealed that the Australian captain is still recovering from a lumbar bone stress injury, an issue that has troubled him throughout his career and recently disrupted his Ashes campaign.

Cummins sustained the injury before the 2025–26 Ashes series, where stress fractures in his lower spine forced him to miss four of the five Tests. Despite undergoing an aggressive rehabilitation program during the series, the fast bowler managed only a brief return in the third Test in Adelaide, where he impressed with a six-wicket haul.

However, the comeback proved short-lived, as he was ruled out of the final two matches to avoid aggravating the injury. Earlier, Cricket Australia had expressed hope that Cummins would be fit in time for the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7 and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

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George Bailey has now provided a clearer picture, suggesting Cummins is likely to join the squad midway through the tournament, potentially around the third or fourth match—similar to Travis Head’s delayed entry during the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Bailey was addressing the media while explaining the absence of Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David from Australia’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan. He confirmed that Tim David suffered a minor hamstring setback but remains on track to be available from the start of the World Cup, while Hazlewood is in a similar recovery phase.

Cummins’ situation, however, requires a more cautious approach. Given his long history of back stress injuries, Australia are keen to prioritise long-term fitness over short-term gains. Bailey stressed that the team management is committed to giving Cummins as much recovery time as possible, even if it means delaying his World Cup entry.

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“If we can afford to give him that time, that’s absolutely the plan,” Bailey said, adding that contingency plans are in place should circumstances change. Australia will now look to manage their pace resources carefully as they prepare for the global event without their leader in the opening games.