Josh Hazlewood ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026
After Pat Cummins, Australia have suffered another big blow as Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026. He has run out of time to recover from his hamstring injury.
Cricket Australia (CA) will not name a replacement player for Hazlewood right now. The board will wait and see how the situation develops. CA had hoped that Hazlewood would be fit by the Super 8 stage, but his recovery is taking longer than expected. Australia are set to play their first match of the tournament against Ireland on February 11.
Selector Tony Dodemaide said the medical team felt Hazlewood was still some time away from full fitness. He added that rushing his return would be risky. Dodemaide also said Australia are well prepared for the early matches and will decide on a replacement only if needed later in the tournament.
Australia Faces More Fitness Concerns Ahead of T20 World Cup
Nathan Ellis and Tim David are expected to be available for the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026. Adam Zampa is also set to return for Australia’s opening match in Colombo next week, which will be a big boost for the team.
Australia’s practice match against the Netherlands was abandoned on Monday night. Even so, the squad still has six days to prepare before their first group match against Ireland on February 11. Australia will play all four of their group matches in Colombo and Pallekele.
CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025:
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 6, 2026
- Mitchell Starc ruled out. ❌
- Josh Hazlewood ruled out. ❌
- Pat Cummins ruled out. ❌
T20 WORLD CUP 2026:
- Mitchell Starc retired. ❌
- Josh Hazlewood ruled out. ❌
- Pat Cummins ruled out. ❌ pic.twitter.com/AhOFz8RjYn
Injury Worries Continue for Australia
Josh Hazlewood has already been ruled out of the 2025–26 Ashes series due to an Achilles injury. This injury happened while he was recovering from a hamstring problem. Earlier, captain Pat Cummins was also ruled out of the T20 World Cup because of a long-term back issue. He was replaced in the squad by Ben Dwarshuis.
Australia’s bowling attack has also been weakened by Mitchell Starc’s retirement from T20 internationals. His absence means Australia are without an experienced fast bowler who could perform well in all conditions.
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