'It's a real shame': Pat Cummins explains how 'minor setback' led to T20 World Cup withdrawal

Pat Cummins has revealed a "minor setback" led to him pulling out of the T20 World Cup as the Australian side look to brush off a disastrous Pakistan tour.

The injured Test skipper has endured a tough few months, missing four out of the five matches during the Ashes series, only playing in the side's Adelaide win.

Cummins was named in the provisional 15-man squad for the tournament, which begins this week, but was officially ruled out on Saturday.

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Speaking to Nine's Today, the 32-year-old revealed why he was forced out of the Aussie squad and replaced by left-arm quick, Ben Dwarshuis.

"It's a real shame having to miss this World Cup," Cummins said.

"I had a minor setback. I played a Test match here in the summer and we just wanted to give the back a little bit of a rest to make sure it's right for what's gonna be a big year.

"It's a minor setback, but I should be right to go in a few weeks."

Cummins could be back in action for NSW towards the end of the Sheffield Shield season before attention turns to a jam-packed Test schedule.

From a home series against Bangladesh in August, the side could play up to 20 matches in the space of a year, including tours of South Africa, India and England.

He won't be the only player missing at the T20 World Cup, with fellow fast-bowler Josh Hazlewood racing the clock to play a role at some stage in the tournament.

"I really hope so," Cummins said.

"I caught up with Josh a couple of days ago and he's working really hard. I feel for Josh, he's had a few setbacks but he's one of the hardest trainers.

"He's doing everything he can, I don't think he will be there for the start of the tournament, but he's trying his best to be there about half-way through."

Australia's preparations for the World Cup, which will be held in Sri Lanka and India, didn't exactly go to plan after a 3-0 series loss to Pakistan.

The series included the country's biggest ever T20 defeat.

"It wasn't the series we were hoping for," Cummins said.

"A lot of the guys flew over straight after the Big Bash a couple of days before.

"Obviously it's always better when you're winning, but they will shake that one off."

Australia will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on Thursday.