By
SABC Sport
31st January 2026
The fast bowler, who only played one of the five Ashes Test at home, had initially been named in a 15-ma provisional squad for the T20 World Cup but has now been replaced by Ben Dwarshuis.
In another change to the group, Matt Renshaw's outstanding form has seen the left-handed batter leapfrog Matthew Short.
"With Pat needing more time to recover from his back injury, Ben is a ready replacement who offers a left-arm-pace option as well as dynamic fielding and late-order hitting," Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said.
"We believe his ability to swing the ball at good pace along with clever variations will be well suited to the conditions we expect and overall structure of the squad.
"Matt has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white ball formats for Australia, the Queensland Bulls and the Brisbane Heat.
"With the top order settled and spin heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle-order support, with Tim David completing his return-to-play programme in the early phase of the tournament.
"As a left-hander, he (Renshaw) also offers a point of difference to the middle order batting."
Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis have all be passed fit for the T20 World Cup and were kept in the squad.
Australia squad for T20 World Cup: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
