Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign has suffered a massive setback with star quick Josh Hazlewood officially ruled out of the tournament, dealing a serious blow to their pace attack just days before the showpiece event begins.
The experienced fast bowler has failed to recover in time from a hamstring injury, with selectors confirming he will miss the entire ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka and India. Hazlewood now joins fellow pace spearhead Pat Cummins on the sidelines, leaving Australia without two of their most reliable big-match bowlers for the global event.
Hazlewood picked up the injury during the final Sheffield Shield match and has since battled lingering Achilles problems that stalled his comeback. Selector Tony Dodemaide admitted the medical team considered a return for the Super Eights stage but ultimately decided the risk was too high, prioritising the long-term fitness of the veteran seamer. Australia have also chosen not to name an immediate replacement, keeping their options open depending on squad needs.
The absence of Hazlewood could spark tactical reshuffles, with Sean Abbott already travelling with the squad as cover and speculation rising around experienced names like Steve Smith after his strong Big Bash League (BBL) form. Accordingly, Nathan Ellis and Tim David are expected to be fit for the group stage, while Adam Zampa has recovered from groin tightness ahead of the opener in Colombo.
Despite a disrupted warm-up schedule, including an abandoned match against the Netherlands, Australia still have a short preparation window before their first clash against Ireland. But without two frontline quicks, the defending giants now face an early test of depth as they chase another world title under pressure.
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (C), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
