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.
Why Michael Carrick Has Been Chosen to Steady Manchester United?
January 14, 2026
Michael Carrick has been officially appointed as the new interim manager for Manchester United, as the Red Devils strive to achieve Champions League qualification. The quiet has been lifted: Michael Carrick is now appointed as the interim manager for Manchester United through the season’s conclusion. What Is Manchester United’s League Position Under Carrick’s Appointment? The 44-year-old club icon, who secured
What Triggered The Sudden 2026 World Cup Ticket Cancellations?
January 13, 2026
More than 16,800 fans have pulled out from the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico due to safety concerns following the ICE shooting incident in Minnesota. The path to the 2026 World Cup has encountered a concerning obstacle Tens of thousands of supporters are starting to withdraw from the forthcoming high-profile tournament due to escalating safety concerns,
“Impossible!”: Ronaldo’s Furious Reaction After Shock Substitution
January 13, 2026
Ronaldo netted a goal for Al Nassr but was substituted in frustration as Al Hilal triumphed 3-1, placing Al Nassr seven points adrift in the Saudi Pro League. Cristiano Ronaldo’s anger erupted on Monday night as Al Nassr’s championship hopes faced a significant setback in a 3-1 loss to Saudi Pro League frontrunners Al Hilal. The five-time Ballon d’Or recipient
What Happened in the NBA Last Night? Lakers Falter, Pacers Shock Celtics
January 13, 2026
Doncic tallied 42 points, yet the Lakers fell 124–112 to the Sacramento Kings. Pacers shocked Celtics with Siakam’s game-winner. Lowry received a hero’s send-off in Toronto. Cavaliers were defeated by Jazz. Why Did the Lakers Lose Despite Luka Doncic’s 42 Points? Luka Doncic scored a game-high 42 points, yet even his excellence couldn’t prevent the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering
Why LeBron James Is Wearing a Special Patch in His 23rd NBA Season
January 13, 2026
LeBron James showcases a unique patch on his Lakers uniform in Sacramento, celebrating his 23rd NBA season. LeBron James’ jersey will narrate a tale each evening for the remainder of the season. LeBron James’ Jersey Patch Tells a 23-Year Story When the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Sacramento Kings on Monday — appropriately, in the city where his NBA
Why Did WNBA–WNBPA CBA Talks Break Down?
January 13, 2026
WNBA and WNBPA initiate a moratorium after not reaching an agreement on a new CBA, pausing free agency and expansion initiatives due to disagreements over salary cap proposals and revenue sharing. WNBA Free Agency Explained: Why Everything Is Suddenly Frozen? The WNBA offseason has come to a halt. The league and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) have reached
Why WNBA Players Say the Two Sides Are Still “Far Apart”
January 13, 2026
The collective bargaining agreement of the WNBA has ended without a new arrangement, as discussions have halted on salary and revenue sharing, even with the league’s rising popularity. The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement officially ended at midnight Friday, with the league and players’ union still at odds over key matters and no extension anticipated. The deadline had been extended twice,
Man United Consider Michael Carrick as Caretaker After Amorim Exit
January 12, 2026
Michael Carrick is in advanced discussions to take over as Manchester United’s caretaker head coach following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, and Solskjaer has also been interviewed. Old Trafford might soon be seeing the return of another well-known figure. Various sources indicate that ex-Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is leading the race to become caretaker head coach, as the club seeks stability
How Did the Cavaliers Accidentally Score for the Timberwolves?
January 12, 2026
Nae’Qwan Tomlin of the Cleveland Cavaliers unintentionally directed a jump ball into his own hoop, giving the Minnesota Timberwolves two points in a 146–134 victory for the Cavs. The Cleveland Cavaliers might have triumphed over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night — yet for one strange instance, they also tallied points for the rival team. In a moment likely unprecedented
1 thought on “Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out of T20 World Cup as Australia’s ‘Big Three’ Era Ends After 15 Years”