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.
The Gateway to India’s Semiconductor Revolution – Sitharaman Calls It a ‘Golden Moment of Growth’
November 8, 2025
Gateway?:Assam is witnessing a historic transformation — one that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has aptly called a “golden moment of growth.” During her visit to India’s first semiconductor assembly and testing plant in the state, Sitharaman emphasized that Assam is no longer on the sidelines of industrial progress — it is becoming the gateway to India’s next era of
‘The Family Man Season 3’: Manoj Bajpayee’s Srikant Tiwari Returns as a Wanted Spy in a Thrilling New Chapter
November 8, 2025
Image Credit: Prime Video India
Jatadhara Movie Review : A Supernatural Mystery With an Intriguing Premise but Uneven Execution
November 8, 2025
Image credit: Zee Studios
🌟 ‘Maharani Season 4’ OTT Release: Everything You Need To Know About Huma Qureshi’s Political Drama
November 7, 2025
Image Credit: Sony Liv
‘Harish Rai’ Passes Away at 55: ‘KGF’ Fame Actor Remembered for His Legacy and Courageous Cancer Battle
November 7, 2025
Veteran actor Harish Rai, known for his significant parts in “Om” and the “KGF” series, died at the age of 55 from cancer. Kannada film is in mourning. Over the course of his decades-long career, Rai left a legacy of powerful performances. He had earlier discussed the financial burden of his therapy and expressed gratitude to “KGF” star Yash for
UIDAI Aadhaar Card Data Reveals Kerala Has More Cards Than People — What’s Going On ?
November 6, 2025
UIDAI Aadhaar card:-The UIDAI has taken steps to maintain the integrity of the Aadhaar database by turning off the Aadhaar numbers of people who have died. New programs have been put in place to stop abuse and make data more accurate. For example, the myAadhaar portal now has a death reporting function. Kerala has 4,09,68,282 Aadhaar cards compared to a
‘The Taj Story’ Box Office Day 5: Paresh Rawal’s film stays strong, eyes the ₹10 crore milestone
November 5, 2025
Despite early controversy, Paresh Rawan’s “The Taj Story” has performed admirably at the box office, defying expectations. With ₹8.16 crore in its first week of release, the movie is on track to outperform a number of other productions. Keeping up the momentum into its second Friday is crucial to its success. Can ‘The Taj Story’ cross the ₹10 crore milestone
🌟IND vs AUS T20I 2025: Thrilling Fourth T20 Clash Awaits in Gold Coast
November 5, 2025
IND vs AUS T20I 2025:-Cricket fans around the world are gearing up for an electrifying encounter as India and Australia lock horns in the fourth T20 International of the IND vs AUS T20I 2025 series. The high-voltage match is set to take place on November 6, 2025, at the scenic Bill Pippen Oval in Gold Coast, Australia. With the five-match
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st T20I: How To Watch Live, Match Timing, and Full Preview
November 5, 2025
West Indies vs New Zealand:Live streaming of the first Twenty20 International between New Zealand and the West Indies: Tim Seifert, the hosts’ first-choice wicketkeeper, will not play in the series opener. West Indies vs New Zealand:-As New Zealand plays West Indies in the first T20I of a five-match series in Auckland, the focus will be on getting ready for the
Nepal vs UAE Today Match Preview: Pitch Analysis & Expert Predictions
November 5, 2025
Nepal vs UAE:Predicted starting lineup for the 91st match between the United Arab Emirates and Nepal, live streaming, weather and pitch updates, and a comprehensive match preview: Today’s World Cup League Two match between the United Arab Emirates and Nepal is crucial. Both sides’ chances of qualifying for the World Cup are in jeopardy as they struggle around the bottom