Huge blow as another star Australian ruled of T20 World Cup
Aussie quick Josh Hazelwood has failed to recover in time for the showpiece event, officially ruled out for the full tournament.
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka and India.
Hazlewood has run out of time to be fully fit for the middle and latter stages of the tournament, joining Pat Cummins as major tournament absentees, with the pair both battling through their respective ailments in recent months. The Aussies are yet to name a replacement player.
Josh Hazlewood yorker ends Finn Allen assault | T20WC 2022
Hazlewood suffered a hamstring injury in the final Sheffield Shield game, Australia's domestic red ball competition, before the start of the Ashes.
He has dealt with Achilles issues amid his comeback attempts more recently.
“We were hopeful Josh would be back to match fitness by the Super Eights stage, but the latest indications (are that) he is still some time away and accelerating his program will carry too much risk," Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said.
“We will not be naming a replacement player immediately. We feel we are well covered for the initial games so will make any later decisions based on priority need at the time.”
While certainly not a like-for-like replacement, Hazlewood's withdrawal may fuel more speculation that veteran batter Steve Smith could parachute into calculations after his strong form at the back end of Australia's domestic T20 tournament the Big Bash League.
Sean Abbott travelled with the squad from Pakistan after their recent 3-0 series loss and is a replacement option.
Nathan Ellis and Tim David, who have both been dealing with hamstring issues, are on track to be available for the group stage, while Adam Zampa (groin tightness) will be available for the first match in Colombo next week.
Australia’s warm-up match against the Netherlands was abandoned on Thursday but they still have a six-day preparation window before the first group game against Ireland.
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
