Here’s a bold statement: Australia’s cricket team is facing one of its toughest challenges in years, and it’s not just about the weather. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite key players sidelined by injuries, the team’s captain, Pat Cummins, believes they don’t need to look far back to rediscover their winning form. Let’s dive into why this might just be more than wishful thinking.
The ocean roars with fury, and so does Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test captain, whose back injury has not only kept him out of four of the five Ashes Tests this summer but has also dashed his T20 World Cup dreams. ‘It’s incredibly frustrating,’ he admits, seated by Bronte beach, a stone’s throw from his home. ‘I was eager to play, and these T20 matches were a central part of our strategy for the Ashes and beyond. But the scans revealed ongoing issues, and it needs another four weeks to heal.’
This setback sidelines Cummins and leaves Australia entering the World Cup this week without three of their pace giants. Mitchell Starc has retired from T20s, and Josh Hazlewood is nursing a hamstring injury. That’s a staggering 182 games of experience missing from the lineup. In their place, young talents Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, and Nathan Ellis—with a combined 64 games—will step up. In today’s packed cricket schedule, such rotations are unavoidable, Cummins explains.
‘You simply can’t play every match,’ he says. ‘Even seasoned players like myself, who once needed a lot of convincing, now recognize the importance of taking breaks to build or rebuild strength. Skipping a game or series here and there allows me to prioritize Test matches. In the long run, this approach ensures players can enjoy longer careers instead of burning out.’
Few understand this better than Cummins. Back injuries delayed his second Test appearance by six years, from his debut at 18 in 2011 to his return as a seasoned 24-year-old in 2017. ‘The older I’ve gotten, the better I’ve managed my body and my feel for the game,’ he reflects. ‘I now know when to push hard and when to conserve energy. With this injury, the medical team, coaches, and I were all on the same page—no risks.’
But the toll of 72 Tests, 90 ODIs, 57 T20Is, and franchise cricket is undeniable. Lumbar stress injuries like his typically require 200 days of recovery, but an ‘aggressive’ six-week plan saw Cummins return to clinch the Ashes in Adelaide. It came at a cost. ‘We were aware of the risks,’ he says, ‘but this rest is precautionary. If it were a World Cup final, I’d probably play. But with so much cricket ahead, I need to address this now.’
And there’s plenty on the horizon. Australia will play 20 Tests in 10 months across 2026-27, starting with Bangladesh in August, followed by a tour of South Africa, and a home summer against New Zealand. Next year is even busier, with a tour of India, an away Ashes series, and an ODI World Cup. For now, all eyes are on the 10th T20 World Cup, a 30-day tournament featuring 20 teams in 55 matches across India and Sri Lanka.
‘T20 tournaments are always unpredictable,’ Cummins notes. ‘While five teams are genuine contenders, any side can pull off an upset at any stage. The goal is to navigate the early rounds unscathed and reach the Super 8s. That’s when you need your players fully fit and firing. Yes, a few like Josh are still regaining peak form, but most have starred in the Big Bash.’
Australia must first overcome Ireland, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Oman in the pool stages. If they can nurse injured stars like Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, and Tim David back to health, they’ll face the West Indies, India, and South Africa in the Super 8s. Unfortunately, they’ve lost five straight matches, including a 3-0 drubbing by Pakistan.
‘They’ll bounce back,’ Cummins says with a laugh. ‘We were in terrible form before the 2021 World Cup and still won it. Australia doesn’t need to look far for inspiration. Mitch Marsh and Travis Head are among the most powerful openers in the world. Adam Zampa’s spin has proven decisive in Sri Lanka and India. And the middle order, with Glenn Maxwell and Tim David, can single-handedly win games.’
Like Steve Smith, who ‘was outstanding in the BBL and will be first in line if there’s a top-order vacancy,’ Cummins will watch this World Cup from home. He still aims to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL starting March 26 and represent Australia in T20s at the 2028 Olympics. ‘Test cricket is my favorite, but there’s always room to switch formats.’
He highlights Australia’s upcoming Test tour to South Africa, their first since the ‘Sandpapergate’ scandal. ‘They’re ranked No. 2 and just beat us in the 2025 World Test Championship, so it’s huge. South Africa is known for hard wickets, fast bowlers, and intense crowds. Emotions will run high after the 2018 tour, but we’re an experienced team. We play best when relaxed, so we won’t go looking for trouble.’
Only trophies—and maybe a chiropractor or two.
And this is the part most people miss—while injuries and controversies dominate headlines, Australia’s depth and resilience could be their greatest assets. Do you think they can overcome these challenges and reclaim their dominance? Let us know in the comments!
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is live and exclusive on Prime Video from 7 February. The Guardian will be live-blogging Australia, England, and finals matches.
