The withdrawal of Josh Hazlewood has dealt a major blow to Australia’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Along with the absence of the key fast bowler, Nathan Ellis’ recovery has also been delayed, although he has arrived in Sri Lanka for the T20 World Cup group-stage games starting on February 11.
Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign has been plagued by persistent injuries and the recovery is still not on track. Josh Hazlewood is one of the key players; However, other names returning from injury include Nathan Ellis, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell and even Adam Zampa.
Adam Zampa, the great Australian spinner who was their hope in the subcontinent, had to carefully handle neck injury issues in the BBL and now he has suffered another groin injury. In the last T20I against Pakistan, he did not complete his quota of overs and did not even come to bat. However, Mitchell Marsh later claimed that the move was precautionary due to the upcoming World Cup.
Josh Hazlewood’s T20I return delayed; Sean Abbott named as traveling reserve for ICC T20 World Cup
Australia has reached Colombo after completing the series against Pakistan. However, they do not have their most reliable seamer, and only one of their big three players is playing, Mitchell Starc (retired), Pat Cummins (injured and out) and Josh Hazlewood.
Josh Hazlewood is not only one of the finest T20I bowlers for Australia but, along with Nathan Ellis, will form one of the core for the Australian attack, which can then be supported with spinners and all-rounders.
However, Hazlewood is still in Australia and recovering from the Achilles injury that ruined his entire Ashes summer. As of now, it is also unclear whether he will be able to reach Sri Lanka in time to participate in Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign.
Selector Tony Dodemide said, “We felt passionately that it was more practical and beneficial for him to continue his rehabilitation in a familiar environment at home before the trip to Sri Lanka.”
In his place, Sean Abbott has been selected as a traveling reserve with the Australian contingent. Abbott was a part of the recent T20 series against Pakistan and with so many fast bowlers injured, his inclusion seems to be a backup plan.
Tony Dodemide said, “Nathan has also completed his return to play, so we decided to bring Shaun along with us as fast bowling cover if anything comes up at short notice… It makes sense for him to stay with the group after the Pakistan tour.”
Australia’s group-stage fixtures allow more time for experienced stars to return
The only positive for Australia in this upcoming ICC T20 World Cup is that they have been paired with some weaker teams. They begin their campaign on February 11, giving their players some extra time to recover.
Also, their first two matches include matches against 11th-ranked Ireland and 12th-ranked Zimbabwe, who will not need players like Josh Hazlewood or Tim David, and may be given some time before they return from injuries.
Also, with the fourth game against 20th-ranked Oman, Australia can consider the result of their match against co-hosts Sri Lanka meaningless, as they can go to the next stage regardless of the result, as it is anticipated that the second-ranked Australian team will win the remaining three games.
Australia will have to compete with Sri Lanka’s spinning tracks
On the batting front, Australia’s campaign has been deeply affected by the lack of quality batting against the spinners. They have lost 22 wickets to the spinners in the recent series against Pakistan, on pitches that seemed too inclined for tricksters.
Sri Lanka will also offer similar terms, and Australia will have to manage their way to India for the next stage, where they will face tough opposition in the West Indies, South Africa, India and New Zealand.
The only positive has been Cameron Green’s good form. However, Josh Inglis played just one game and so did Marcus Stoinis, while Glenn Maxwell and Tim David will be in the squad for the T20 World Cup.
Captain Mitchell Marsh claimed, “We know conditions can change in Sri Lanka and we will assess when we get there. We have some very good spin players and (some) experience coming back as well.”
Also read: India vs Pakistan cancelled: Complete list of ICC tournament matches that were boycotted by teams
