Major Setback for Australia as Josh Hazlewood Is Ruled Out of 2026 T20 World Cup

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.

Author

Tujja Roy