Australia have suffered a major blow ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with Josh Hazlewood officially ruled out of the tournament due to a lingering hamstring injury. Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that the experienced fast bowler has run out of time to regain full match fitness, forcing the selectors to make a tough call just days before the competition begins.
The development significantly weakens Australia’s bowling depth and dents their hopes of lifting the T20 World Cup trophy for the first time since 2021.
Why Josh Hazlewood Missed the 2026 T20 World Cup
Cricket Australia had earlier indicated that Josh Hazlewood might miss only the opening matches of the tournament, which begins on February 15, and could return during the latter stages. However, that plan has now been abandoned.
Selector Tony Dodemaide clarified the situation on Friday (February 6), stating that although the selectors were optimistic about Hazlewood’s recovery, recent medical updates suggested otherwise.
“We were optimistic Josh would reach match fitness for the Super 8 stage, but recent signs suggest he is still quite a while off, and hastening his program poses excessive risk.”
With player welfare in mind, CA decided against accelerating Hazlewood’s rehabilitation, ultimately leading to his exclusion from the squad.
Hamstring Injury Continues to Trouble Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood’s injury issues began prior to the 2025–26 Ashes, where he suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out of the entire series. At the time, there were quiet hopes that he might return for at least one Test, but that comeback never materialised.
The same injury has now ruled him out of the T20 World Cup, extending a frustrating period on the sidelines for one of Australia’s most reliable fast bowlers.
Australia’s Pace Attack Faces Serious Concerns
With Hazlewood unavailable, Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis are currently the only fully fit frontline pace bowlers in the squad. This lack of depth is a growing concern as Australia prepare for a demanding tournament schedule.
Cricket Australia has confirmed that no immediate replacement will be announced.
“We are not going to announce a substitute player right away. We believe we are sufficiently prepared for the early matches, and will make subsequent decisions based on the immediate needs then.”
Sean Abbott Remains a Possible Backup Option
In-form fast bowler Sean Abbott, who was part of the 17-member Australian squad that toured Pakistan for a recent T20I series, could be called up if the team management feels the need to bolster the pace attack later in the tournament.
For now, selectors appear content to assess conditions and workloads during the early stages before making any changes.
Absence of Josh Hazlewood Compounds Australia’s Injury Woes
Josh Hazlewood’s exclusion comes on top of another major setback, with Pat Cummins also unavailable due to a stress injury that forced him to miss a significant portion of the Ashes series.
Together, these absences leave Australia without two of their most experienced fast bowlers at a crucial global event.
Hazlewood’s Proven Impact in Subcontinent Conditions
The loss of Josh Hazlewood is particularly damaging given his effectiveness in subcontinent conditions. During IPL 2025, Hazlewood was in outstanding form, claiming 22 wickets at an average of 17.55.
He played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s championship-winning season, delivering match-winning performances at different stages of the tournament. His ability to adapt, maintain discipline, and strike at crucial moments made him one of the standout pacers of the season.
Australia’s Group Stage Fixtures
Australia will begin their T20 World Cup campaign on February 11 against Ireland. They will also face Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Oman during the group stage as they look to secure a place in the knockout rounds despite their injury setbacks.
Australia’s Squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup
- Mitch Marsh (c)
- Xavier Bartlett
- Cooper Connolly
- Tim David
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Cameron Green
- Nathan Ellis
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Matthew Kuhnemann
- Glenn Maxwell
- Matthew Renshaw
- Marcus Stoinis
- Adam Zampa
What Josh Hazlewood’s Absence Means for Australia
The exclusion of Josh Hazlewood represents a significant challenge for Australia as they chase another T20 World Cup title. With a depleted pace attack and no immediate replacement named, the team will need to rely heavily on its remaining bowlers and all-rounders to compensate for the loss.
As the tournament unfolds, Australia’s depth and adaptability will be tested — and the absence of one of their most dependable fast bowlers could prove decisive.
✅Quick FAQs
❓Why is Josh Hazlewood not playing the 2026 T20 World Cup?
Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury that has not healed in time for the tournament.
❓Did Cricket Australia expect Hazlewood to return later in the tournament?
Yes, selectors initially hoped he would be fit for the Super 8 stage, but medical updates ruled out that possibility.
❓Will Australia name a replacement for Josh Hazlewood?
Cricket Australia has stated that no substitute will be announced immediately.
AUS Vs ENG: Lyon’s Homecoming, Smith Under Pressure as Ashes Moves to Adelaide
December 17, 2025
The Ashes rivalry resumes with high intensity as AUS Vs ENG shifts to Adelaide Oval for the third Test, with Australia holding a commanding 2-0 lead. The contest brings personal battles, selection statements, and mounting pressure to the forefront, making this clash one of the most emotionally charged encounters of the series so far. Match: Australia vs England Date: 17
Lionel Messi in Delhi: 35 Minutes That Turned a Night Into Forever
December 16, 2025
Lionel Messi does not visit India often. And when he does, time seems to bend, patience stretches, and memory takes over reality. For Delhi, it lasted just 35 minutes — but it felt like a lifetime. From Kolkata to Mumbai, Hyderabad to the capital, India chased a glimpse of footballing immortality. On a cold Delhi evening at the Arun Jaitley
‘Border 2’ Teaser OUT Today: Sunny Deol’s Powerful Comeback Sets the Stage for 2026
December 16, 2025
The teaser of ‘Border 2’ is finally out, and it brings back the unmistakable wave of patriotism that defined the original film. Led by Sunny Deol, the upcoming war drama promises emotion, intensity, and large-scale action, while introducing a new frontline of soldiers played by Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. Unveiled on December 16, the teaser launch itself
‘Not Out of Form, Just Out of Runs’: Suryakumar Yadav Stays Confident Amid Lean Patch
December 15, 2025
Even in a challenging phase, T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav expresses assurance, insisting he’s “not out of form, definitely out of runs.” India made a strong comeback following a prior defeat, with bowlers such as Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy spearheading their seven-wicket victory against South Africa. The squad concentrated on fundamentals to ensure the win. Suryakumar Yadav might be lacking
IND Vs SA : India Outclass South Africa In 3rd T20I, Cruise To 7-Wicket Win And 2-1 Series Lead
December 14, 2025
IND Vs SA 3rd T20I Match: The South Africa Vs India rivalry takes centre stage once again as the third T20I of the five-match series is being played today at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala. With the series currently tied 1-1, both teams are eager to gain the upper hand and move ahead 2-1 in what has already
Lionel Messi in Mumbai: Inside the High-Security GOAT India Tour Stop
December 14, 2025
Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025 arrives in Mumbai with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo de Paul, featuring World Cup-level security following the chaos in Kolkata. Lionel Messi’s tour of India reached Mumbai on Sunday — and this time, there was no space for disorder. The football legend reached the city around midday with “World Cup-level” security, signifying
Lionel Messi in Mumbai Today: Full Schedule After Kolkata Controversy
December 14, 2025
Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated GOAT India Tour 2025 reaches Mumbai after attracting nationwide attention during its earlier stops in Kolkata and Hyderabad. The Mumbai leg promises a packed schedule featuring sports exhibitions, celebrity appearances, and a closed-door charity event, all unfolding on Sunday. While organisational allegations overshadowed the Kolkata leg of the tour, the Mumbai schedule is set to proceed with
The Night John Cena Finally Said Goodbye: Gunther Forces History At SNME
December 14, 2025
John Cena Submits To Gunther In Last Match; Ends Career With Emotional Goodbye At SNME John Cena concluded his WWE tenure at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C., submitting to Gunther in a heartfelt goodbye. John Cena’s WWE journey concluded precisely as it should have: amidst the most dazzling lights, before a cheering audience, and with a sense of
John Cena Bids Goodbye as WWE Saturday Night Main Event Delivers Emotional Night
December 14, 2025
Saturday Night Main Event featured Gunther concluding John Cena’s WWE career, Sol Ruca overcoming Bayley, AJ Styles and Dragon Lee keeping their titles, and Oba Femi making an impression against Cody Rhodes. Saturday Night Main Event showcased unforgettable highlights: Cena’s heartfelt farewell, Sol Ruca’s standout performance, and exhilarating tag-team action from Styles and Lee. With emerging talents like Femi and
Lionel Messi’s Hyderabad Visit Scheduled With Minute-by-Minute Plan After Kolkata Chaos
December 13, 2025
Lionel Messi to Enter Hyderabad Stadium at 7:50 PM, Exit at 9 PM After the chaos witnessed during Lionel Messi’s recent programme in Kolkata, officials in Hyderabad have released a tightly structured, minute-by-minute schedule to ensure smooth conduct of the football icon’s appearance. According to the official programme, Lionel Messi will enter the Hyderabad stadium at exactly 7:50 p.m., marking