The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has not gone well for the Australian team, as they faced disappointment after losing to their first-round opponents. There is added frustration because injured players Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood may be fit for the upcoming IPL, even though they missed the world tournament.
Australian selectors noted that the situation arose due to timing issues. They will assess the team’s performance once they return home. The absence of key bowlers Cummins and Hazlewood significantly impacted the 2021 T20 World Cup champions.
This issue is highlighted by a simple statistic: Australia took only four wickets during their defeats against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, with all wickets taken by all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green.
Hazlewood has been crucial to Australia’s T20 bowling lineup. He has faced multiple injuries, starting with a hamstring issue in November, followed by Achilles and calf injuries. Cummins has not played since the third Ashes Test in mid-December. He was initially rested for a back issue but was later removed from the squad.
The two fast bowlers have only played together once in the last three months but are likely to be ready for the IPL, barring any new injuries. Selector Tony Dodemaide addressed the ongoing situation in a press conference, explaining the players’ choices between national duties and IPL commitments.
Dodemaide stated, “It is what it is. It’s a timing issue. If the IPL had come first and the World Cup second, they would miss the IPL to participate in the World Cup. It’s not frustrating for us. We recognize their desire to play and succeed for Australia.”
He also discussed Steve Smith’s role in the T20I team. Smith joined as a backup for Mitchell Marsh and replaced Hazlewood in the lineup but did not get a chance to play.
