Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is unlikely to play in the early matches of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to ongoing rehabilitation. Pat Cummins has already been ruled out with an injury, increasing pressure on the team with Hazlewood’s uncertain status.
Hazlewood suffered a hamstring injury while playing for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield last November, which kept him out of the 2025-26 Ashes Test series. During his recovery, he developed an Achilles issue, preventing him from participating in the series against Pakistan.
Currently in Sydney, selector Tony Dodemaide has not set a specific timeline for Hazlewood’s return to play. He believes that it is better for Hazlewood to rehabilitate at home rather than travel to unfamiliar conditions. Dodemaide stated,
“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, we decided to bring Sean as fast bowling cover.”
About a month ago, Hazlewood expressed optimism about playing in the World Cup, but his current condition does not reflect that hope.
Sean Abbott Added to the Squad
Sean Abbott was already with the 15-man Australian squad as a travelling reserve. With Hazlewood’s status uncertain, Cricket Australia has promoted Abbott to the main squad. Dodemaide remarked,
“Sean is an accomplished and versatile International player with plenty of World Cup experience. It made sense for him to remain with the group after the Pakistan tour.”
The 33-year-old fast-bowling all-rounder has played 29 T20 Internationals for Australia and has taken 34 wickets, with an economy rate of 9.32 and an average of 25.14.
Australia Facing Injury Challenges
Pat Cummins’s absence is a primary concern, and Hazlewood’s situation adds to the team’s challenges. Nathan Ellis also had hamstring issues during the Big Bash League.
In the last eight months, Tim David has suffered two hamstring pulls and another strain during the 2025 IPL, while Glenn Maxwell missed the series against Pakistan due to a broken ankle.
As of now, Adam Zampa appears to be the only player in good form, but he experienced groin tightness during the Pakistan series. Australia is set to play a warm-up match against the Netherlands on Thursday.
Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, and Ellis are expected to arrive in Combo on Tuesday. Australia’s first match of the tournament is scheduled for February 11 against Ireland.
Australia Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Mitchell Marsh (capt), 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)