Hours before the start of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, the Australia national cricket team suffered a major blow as their premier fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been officially ruled out of the prestigious tournament.
Josh Hazlewood is out of T20 World Cup 2026 just ahead
Josh Hazlewood has been out of action since 12 November when he injured his hamstring while playing in the Sheffield Shield. Since then he has not played a single match. Despite the injury, the senior fast bowler traveled to Sri Lanka with the Australian team for the T20 World Cup 2026.
The plan was to gradually build up his fitness and make him available later in the tournament, possibly after the group matches. However, the situation changed only five days before Australia’s first game against Ireland in Colombo on 12 February.
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Australian selector Tony Dodemide has confirmed that Hazlewood is still not fit and will not recover in time to take part in the T20 World Cup 2026.
The Australian will name a replacement at a later date
Australian selector Tony Dodemide said in an official statement, “We had hoped that Josh Hazlewood would be back to match fitness by the Super Eights stage, but the latest indications are that he is still some time away. There would be too much risk in trying to accelerate his program.
We will not immediately reveal the name of any replacement player. We feel we are well prepared for the early games, so we will take any decisions later based on the priority need at that time.
The setback has made Australia’s campaign even more difficult, with Pat Cummins already ruled out of the tournament due to fitness concerns.
Australia will enter the World Cup without its ‘Big Three Pacers’
With both Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood unavailable and Mitchell Starc retiring from T20Is last year, Australia are heading into the T20 World Cup 2026 in a situation they have not faced in over a decade, especially in a major ICC event.
For the first time since March 2011, Australia will play the World Cup without its famous “Big Three” fast bowlers. Currently, Xavier Bartlett, known for his swing, and left-arm fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis are the only two fully fit frontline fast bowlers in the team.
Sean Abbott is traveling with the team as a reserve player and could be added to the main squad as a replacement for Hazlewood if needed in the tournament.
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Spin is Australia’s main weapon, all-rounders will provide balance
With pace options limited, Australia are expected to rely heavily on spin in subcontinental conditions, where pitches are considered turn-friendly. Adam Zampa has recovered and is fit for the opening match against Ireland. Along with them, Matt Kuhnman and Cooper Connolly give Australia a strong spin-heavy attack for the showpiece event.
Even without their top fast bowlers, Australia still have options. All-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green provide seam support and batting depth, while Nathan Ellis and Tim David are expected to be available for the group stage at the T20 World Cup 2026.
Australia’s T20 World Cup team:
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnman, Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa. Travel Reserve: Shawn Abbott
