Australia will play the ICC T20 World Cup without Pat Cummins. The fast bowler has failed to recover fully from a back injury and has been ruled out of the tournament.
Cricket Australia said Cummins needs more time to heal from a lumbar stress injury. He was named in the provisional squad earlier with hope that his workload could be managed. The selectors have now decided not to take that risk.
Left arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis has been added to the squad as his replacement. Australia believe he offers a similar balance to the bowling attack.
Cummins has not played since the Adelaide Test against England in mid December. That match was his only appearance since July. After the Ashes were secured, he was rested to focus on recovery ahead of the World Cup.
Scans in January showed positive signs. Even so, the selectors chose caution given the tight schedule of the tournament.
Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said Dwarshuis was a ready option. He said the left armer can swing the ball and add depth with the bat.
The final squad also includes a few changes in the batting group. Matthew Short has been left out. Matt Renshaw comes in to strengthen the middle order, especially against spin in Sri Lanka.
Steven Smith has again missed selection despite strong Big Bash League form. The selectors preferred flexibility over a specialist top order role.
There is positive news on the injury front. Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis have all been cleared to play after recent concerns.
