Australia’s preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup have taken another blow with Josh Hazlewood set to miss the early games of the tournament as he continues his rehabilitation from injury.
The 2026 T20 WC jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka kicks off on February 7, but Australia’s campaign starts against Ireland on February 11, and Hazlewood’s participation remains uncertain for the opening phase of the tournament.
Josh Hazlewood is regarded as one of Australia’s premier pace bowlers across formats and has been on the sidelines since suffering hamstring and Achilles issues late last year. The injuries forced him out of the Ashes series and have hampered his preparations ahead of the mega tournament.
What selectors said about Josh Hazlewood’s participation in the T20 World Cup
Cricket Australia’s selectors, led by Tony Dodemaide, confirmed that fast bowler Hazlewood will remain in Sydney to continue his rehabilitation program rather than travel with the squad for the early matches in Sri Lanka.
This cautious approach prioritizes a full recovery over rushing the veteran quickly back into action for games beginning in the group stage, particularly Australia’s opener against Ireland on February 11.
To keep the squad balance, Sean Abbott has been added as a travelling reserve, providing much-needed fast-bowling cover for the early part of the tournament.
Here’s what Dodemaide said on Hazlewood’s recovery (via ESPNCricinfo):
“We felt with Josh it was more practical and beneficial for him to continue his rehabilitation at home in a familiar environment before travelling to Sri Lanka. With Nathan also completing his return to play, we decided to bring Sean with us as fast bowling cover should anything come up at short notice.
Can Josh Hazlewood’s absence impact Australia’s performance?
Hazlewood’s absence in the tournament’s early phase leaves a significant gap in Australia’s bowling arsenal, particularly with his reputation for disciplined control and experienced death bowling in T20 cricket. He is a true match winner and known for taking crucial breakthroughs.
Combined with Pat Cummins’ absence and Mitchell Starc’s retirement from T20Is, this places extra pressure on the team’s pace resources.
Selectors and coaching staff have expressed confidence in the squad’s depth, with Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Ellis, Tim David, and other players arriving in Sri Lanka to bolster the lineup for the opening matches.
Australia updated squad for T20 World Cup:
Mitchell Marsh (C), 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, Sean Abbott (travelling reserve)
