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.
What Did Arijit Singh Say About Calling Off Playback Singing?
January 28, 2026
In a post on his social media accounts, Mr. Arijit Singh announced that he has chosen to leave playback singing, a decision made at the height of his career as one of the most sought-after voices in Hindi films. “I am calling it off, it was a wonderful journey,” Arijit Singh stated on Tuesday (January 27, 2026), revealing that he
Why Jana Nayagan Release Has Been Delayed Again?
January 27, 2026
Vijay’s Jana Nayagan was initially set to premiere on January 9 but was delayed because of certification problems. In a significant setback for actor Thalapathy Vijay’s upcoming movie Jana Nayagan, the Madras High Court on Tuesday overturned a single judge’s ruling that had instructed the censor board to provide a certificate for the film. The choice has postponed the debut
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Scotland Replaces Bangladesh Explained
January 24, 2026
Scotland takes Bangladesh’s place in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after BCB declined to compete in India. The ICC has confirmed that Scotland will take the place of Bangladesh in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. On Saturday, it was officially announced that Bangladesh will not take part in the forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, after the
First Twitter (X) Reviews of Border 2: Praise, Patriotism, and Polarised Opinions
January 23, 2026
Border 2 Film Review and Ratings: The initial reviews also commended Diljit Dosanjh and director Anurag Singh. Border 2 Film Review And Ratings: Following much excitement, Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty’s Border 2 has finally premiered in cinemas on Friday, January 23. Initial reviews of the movie have begun to come in on X, and thus
Who Is Bill Kennedy? The NBA Referee Headed to the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame
January 21, 2026
Bill Kennedy leads the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame 2026 class, alongside Rick Welts, Robin Roberts, and Sue Wicks, recognizing pioneers in sports, advocacy, and inclusivity. NBA favorite Bill Kennedy is set to enter the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame — and it seems well-deserved. NBA Referee Bill Kennedy to Be Inducted Into LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame The NBA’s
Kylian Mbappe vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Who Reached 50 LaLiga Goals Faster?
January 20, 2026
Kylian Mbappe netted 50 LaLiga goals in 53 matches for Real Madrid, making him the second quickest this century, behind Cristiano Ronaldo. He tops the 2025–26 scoring table with 19 goals. Kylian Mbappe continues to share elite company — and yet again, the only player ahead of him is his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. How Fast Did Kylian Mbappe Reach 50
Why Are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Likely to Be Demoted in BCCI Contracts?
January 20, 2026
BCCI is contemplating eliminating the A+ central contract tier, which could lead to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma being downgraded to category B. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is said to be considering a revamp of its Central Contract tier structure. As per ANI, the board could eliminate the highest A+ category, previously designated for all-format
What Did FIFA Say After Players Walked Off During the AFCON Final?
January 19, 2026
Senegal triumphed in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco after turmoil ensued due to a late VAR penalty, as FIFA criticized the walk-off and called for respect towards officials. The final of the Africa Cup of Nations erupted into mayhem on Sunday night — and FIFA president Gianni Infantino promptly intervened. FIFA President Gianni Infantino Breaks Silence on
Which Team Will Replace Bangladesh If They Skip the T20 World Cup?
January 19, 2026
The ICC has apparently set a January 21 deadline for the Bangladesh Cricket Board to confirm travel plans to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup or face replacement by Scotland. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has allegedly received an ultimatum from the International Cricket Council (ICC) concerning its decision not to travel to India for the 2026 men’s T20
How Important Is LeBron James for Lakers vs Trail Blazers Tonight?
January 18, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers’ star, LeBron James, has been performing remarkably this season, even with injuries. He has ascended to the pinnacle of the all-time scorer’s list, bringing him one step nearer to being the ultimate MVP of the 2025-2026 season. A few weeks ago, though, the 4x NBA champion sustained an injury during a game, which was subsequently identified
1 thought on “Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out of T20 World Cup as Australia’s ‘Big Three’ Era Ends After 15 Years”