Last Updated on 16 hours ago by Charbel Coorey
In yet another potential blow for the Australian cricket team, premium fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss the initial stages of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
Sean Abbott has been added as a travelling reserve. While Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis will join the squad in Colombo on February 3 after missing the recently concluded three-match T20I series in Pakistan, Hazlewood will stay back in Sydney as he continues to recover from an Achilles issue.
Josh Hazlewood faces race to be fit for later stages of 2026 T20 World Cup
The past few months have been frustrating for Hazlewood. He was initially ruled out of the first half of the home Ashes series due to a hamstring injury, before picking up an achilles issue.
He was confident of joining the team in time for the T20 World Cup. However, that will not be the case as Australian selectors continue to take a cautious approach with their premier fast bowler.
“We felt with Josh it was more practical and beneficial for him to continue his rehabilitation at home in a familiar environment before travelling to Sri Lanka. With Nathan [Ellis] also completing his return to play, we decided to bring Sean with us as a fast bowling cover, should anything come up at short notice,” selector Tony Dodemaide said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“Sean is an accomplished and versatile international player who has experienced numerous World Cup campaigns. It made sense for him to stay with the group following the Pakistan tour.”
Australia would hope that Hazlewood joins the squad before the business end of the tournament begins. The former World Champions are already without Pat Cummins, who was recently ruled out after needing more time to recover from the back injury that forced him to miss four out of the five Test matches against England. Ben Dwarshuis has been added as his replacement.
Australia’s injury problems don’t end here. T20 specialists Nathan Ellis and Tim David are coming off layoffs due to their respective hamstring injuries. Glenn Maxwell is currently managing his previously broken ankle.
Wristspinner Adam Zampa bowled just two overs in the third T20I against Pakistan. He did not come out to bat due to “groin tightness.”
Australia are scheduled to play a warm-up match against the Netherlands on February 5. They will open their campaign against Ireland in Colombo on February 11.
