Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign has suffered a major setback with Josh Hazlewood officially ruled out of the tournament, bringing an end to a 15-year era defined by the nation’s iconic fast-bowling trio.
The 35-year-old pacer has not played competitive cricket since sustaining a hamstring injury during a Sheffield Shield match in November, and selectors have now confirmed that the risk of accelerating his recovery is too high.
This development marks the first ICC World Cup since 2011 in which Australia will compete without Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, or Mitchell Starc — a symbolic conclusion to the country’s famed “Big Three” pace dominance.
Why Josh Hazlewood Misses the T20 World Cup
Australia’s selection panel initially hoped that Josh Hazlewood would regain fitness in time for the latter stages of the competition. However, updated medical assessments forced a change in direction.
National selector Tony Dodemaide admitted the management had been optimistic about Hazlewood’s recovery timeline but emphasized player welfare over risk.
“We were optimistic Josh would regain match fitness by the Super Eights stage, but recent signs suggest he is still a while off. Attempting to speed up his program will involve excessive risk,” Dodemaide said.
With no margin for error in a global tournament, selectors chose caution over gamble — effectively ending Hazlewood’s World Cup hopes.
No Immediate Replacement Announced
Cricket Australia has confirmed that no direct replacement for Josh Hazlewood will be named immediately.
Instead, team management plans to assess conditions and squad requirements as the tournament progresses, keeping flexibility in selection rather than locking in a premature decision.
This approach reflects uncertainty around fast-bowling fitness depth rather than a lack of options.
End of Australia’s Legendary ‘Big Three’
Hazlewood’s absence, combined with Pat Cummins’ injury and Mitchell Starc’s retirement from T20 Internationals, makes this World Cup historically significant.
For the first time since March 2011, Australia will take the field at a global event without any member of their celebrated pace trio.
The trio played a defining role in Australia’s success across formats for more than a decade, and their collective absence signals a clear generational shift in the bowling attack.
Australia’s Current Fast-Bowling Situation
Captain Mitch Marsh faces a challenging scenario heading into Australia’s opening match against Ireland in Colombo.
At present:
- Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis are the only fully fit frontline quicks
- Nathan Ellis is racing against time to achieve match readiness
- Sean Abbott remains a travelling reserve and could be called upon later
The reduced pace resources place additional pressure on squad balance and tactical flexibility.
Spin-Focused Strategy in Sri Lankan Conditions
Despite the depleted fast-bowling unit, Mitch Marsh remains confident in Australia’s overall balance, particularly in conditions expected to assist spin.
The captain highlighted the squad’s depth and expressed strong belief in the team’s adaptability.
“We’ve developed significant depth in our team… we have great faith in the players to perform,” Marsh said.
He praised the importance of Adam Zampa and Matthew Kuhnemann, while also stressing the all-round impact of Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green in maintaining bowling stability.
A Defining Moment for Australia’s Bowling Identity
Australia enter the T20 World Cup on the back of a 3–0 series loss to Pakistan, and the loss of Josh Hazlewood further compounds their challenge.
With the “Big Three” era now firmly closed, the team faces a critical transition — redefining its bowling identity in the shortest format under pressure, scrutiny, and global spotlight.
How Australia adapts without one of its most reliable fast bowlers could shape not just this tournament, but the future direction of its T20 strategy.
✅FAQ Block
❓Why is Josh Hazlewood not playing in the T20 World Cup?
Ans/ Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in November, with selectors deciding that rushing his recovery would be too risky.
❓Is Josh Hazlewood part of Australia’s ‘Big Three’?
Ans/ Yes, Josh Hazlewood was a key member of Australia’s legendary fast-bowling trio alongside Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
❓Will Australia name a replacement for Josh Hazlewood?
Ans/ Cricket Australia has stated that no immediate replacement will be announced, as the team plans to assess its needs during the tournament.
Lionel Messi’s Kolkata Visit Descends Into Chaos as Fans Force Early Exit at Salt Lake Stadium
December 13, 2025
Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated comeback to India sparked both jubilation and disorder in Kolkata on Saturday, as unruly crowds at the Salt Lake Stadium compelled the football icon to exit the venue only 20 minutes after he arrived. What started as a momentous return for the World Cup-winning Argentine icon soon became chaotic, with bottles hurled from the stands, seats damaged,
Messi in India: Why the Tour Is About Choice, Experience, and a Changing Market
December 13, 2025
Lionel Messi in Kolkata: The global football icon’s presence highlights India’s growing appetite for premium experiences. Lionel Messi’s arrival in Kolkata has turned anticipation into reality. After months of buzz and buildup, the global football icon landed late last night and is set for a packed day of appearances, beginning at 10 am. From a virtual inauguration of a 70-foot
Lionel Messi Arrives in Kolkata, Airport Turns Into Festival as Fans Go Wild
December 13, 2025
Lionel Messi arrives in Kolkata with Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, sparking massive celebrations as fans turn the airport into a festival during the GOAT India Tour 2025. Lionel Messi’s arrival in Kolkata late Friday night turned the city’s airport into a sea of chants, flags, and celebrations, as thousands of fans gathered to welcome the Argentine football legend.
Akhanda 2: Balakrishna Turns One-Man Army in a High-Voltage Mythic Actioner
December 12, 2025
Akhanda 2 arrives with the same unmistakable Boyapati Sreenu signature — thunderous elevation, divine mass moments, and an unapologetic dismissal of physics. Titled Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, the sequel transports audiences straight into a world where logic is politely asked to wait outside the theatre while Balakrishna takes over as the nation’s unofficial security force. Akhanda 2: Logic Steps Aside, Mythic
The Devil Review: Darshan’s Political Drama Stumbles Despite Massive Hype
December 12, 2025
Kannada cinema witnessed one of its most highly anticipated releases of the year as The Devil, starring Darshan, hit theatres on December 11. The political drama arrived amid huge buzz in Karnataka, intensified by developments surrounding the Renukaswamy case involving the actor. Fans showed unprecedented support, carrying the film on their shoulders despite Darshan’s absence from promotions. Early morning shows
India Vs South Africa 2nd T20I Match Live Updates: South Africa Won by 51 Runs
December 11, 2025
India vs South Africa 2nd T20I Match (India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team): The IND Vs SA 2nd T20I of the ongoing five-match series unfolds today at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, where both India and South Africa enter the contest with contrasting motivations. After a commanding 101-run victory in
IND Vs SA 2nd T20I Preview: India Eye Series Edge as South Africa Seek Strong Comeback
December 11, 2025
The rapid turnaround between fixtures gives India and South Africa barely any time to reset as they arrive in Chandigarh for the IND Vs SA 2nd T20I. With both teams stepping into the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium under tight scheduling, the focus shifts instantly from Cuttack’s outcome to Wednesday’s crucial face-off. IND Vs SA 2nd T20I – Team News India
IND Vs SA 2nd T20I: Chandigarh Set for a High-Voltage Clash
December 10, 2025
As India and South Africa gear up for the IND Vs SA 2nd T20I, the tight scheduling leaves both teams with barely any time to regroup after the dramatic first match in Cuttack. Having only just arrived in Chandigarh, preparation time at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium is minimal ahead of the December 11 clash. A Rapid-Fire Schedule Leaves No
ICC Ranking Update: Rohit Sharma Stays on Top, Kohli Rises Fast
December 10, 2025
In a recent update to the ICC Rankings, Indian cricket maintains its lead in the ODI batting standings, with Rohit Sharma securely holding the world No.1 spot, while Virat Kohli has jumped two positions to regain the No.2 ranking. The two giants of Indian cricket have shown outstanding performance in recent series, narrowing the difference between them to merely eight
ICC Ranking Update: Virat Kohli Climbs to No. 2, Inches Closer to Rohit Sharma’s Top Spot
December 10, 2025
India’s star batter Virat Kohli has taken a significant leap in the ICC Ranking, rising two places to claim the No. 2 spot in the latest ODI rankings for batters. After a stellar performance in the recently concluded India vs South Africa ODI series, Kohli now stands just eight rating points behind Rohit Sharma, the current No. 1 ICC Ranking:
1 thought on “Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out of T20 World Cup as Australia’s ‘Big Three’ Era Ends After 15 Years”