Australia have suffered another major setback ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with senior fast bowler Josh Hazlewood set to miss the early phase of the tournament. This development comes shortly after skipper Pat Cummins was ruled out of the entire competition due to a back injury.
With the tournament starting on 7 February, Australia will begin their campaign without their most experienced pace duo, forcing the team management to rely on backup options during the opening matches.
Why Josh Hazlewood Is Missing the Early Matches
Josh Hazlewood is currently recovering from an Achilles injury, which occurred during his rehabilitation from an earlier hamstring problem. After medical assessment, selectors and team doctors decided that it would be safer for him to continue his recovery in Sydney, rather than rushing him into competitive cricket.
The focus is on ensuring Hazlewood returns fully fit later in the tournament, instead of risking a long-term setback.
Selector Tony Dodemaide Explains the Decision
Australia selector Tony Dodemaide made it clear that the decision was taken with the fast bowler’s long-term fitness in mind.
According to the selectors, continuing rehabilitation at home in a familiar environment gives Hazlewood the best chance of returning stronger in the latter stages of the World Cup. No exact timeline has been set for his arrival in Sri Lanka, but the door remains open for a comeback once he clears all fitness checks.
Read more? Why Skipping India vs Pakistan at T20 World Cup 2026 Could Cost Pakistan Dearly
Sean Abbott Added as Travelling Reserve
To manage the fast-bowling workload, Australia have added Sean Abbott to the squad as a travelling reserve.
Abbott provides reliable pace-bowling cover and adds depth to the squad, especially with multiple bowlers returning from injuries. His experience in international tournaments makes him a safe backup option if required at short notice.
Positive News: Key Players Join Squad in Colombo
While Hazlewood remains in Australia, there is some relief for the team:
- Glenn Maxwell
- Tim David
- Nathan Ellis
All three players have joined the squad in Colombo and are expected to be available for the upcoming matches. Their arrival strengthens Australia’s balance in both batting and bowling.
Injury Concerns Continue in Australian Camp
Australia’s injury list has been a concern throughout the build-up to the World Cup:
- Pat Cummins – ruled out of the entire tournament
- Josh Hazlewood – missing early matches (Achilles injury)
- Nathan Ellis – recently returned from hamstring trouble
- Tim David – recovering from repeated hamstring issues
- Glenn Maxwell – managed carefully after ankle concerns
- Adam Zampa – had minor groin tightness as a precaution
Despite these challenges, the team management remains confident of fielding a competitive XI in the group stage.
Australia’s Group Stage Schedule (Key Details)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament Start | 7 February 2026 |
| Australia’s First Match | 11 February |
| Group Venues | Colombo & Pallekele |
| Group Ends | 20 February |
| Group Rivals | Ireland, Sri Lanka, Oman, Zimbabwe |
Australia Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
| Players |
|---|
| Mitchell Marsh (Captain) |
| Travis Head |
| Josh Inglis |
| Glenn Maxwell |
| Marcus Stoinis |
| Cameron Green |
| Tim David |
| Nathan Ellis |
| Josh Hazlewood |
| Adam Zampa |
| Xavier Bartlett |
| Ben Dwarshuis |
| Matt Renshaw |
| Cooper Connolly |
| Matt Kuhnemann |
| Sean Abbott (Travelling Reserve) |
Missing Josh Hazlewood in the early games puts pressure on Australia’s younger pacers, but it also gives them a chance to step up on the world stage. If Hazlewood returns fully fit in the latter half of the tournament, Australia could regain a major edge heading into the knockout rounds.
For now, all eyes will be on how Australia manage their bowling attack without their most reliable fast bowler in the opening phase.
