After Pat Cummins, Australia were dealt with a severe blow as pacer Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026, just days before their campaign opener against Ireland. With Cummins already rules out with an ongoing back injury, Australia will be entering the major event without their two frontline pacers. Australia play their first game on February 11.
Hazlewood had suffered a hamstring injury during a Sheffield Shield match in November. To add to more to that, an ACL blow made things worse for the right-arm pacer. That means, Australia will enter the T20 World Cup 2026 with just two fit pacers in Ben Dwarshuis and Xavier Bartlett.
Cricket Australia (CA) selector Todd Dodemaide said that they thought Hazlewood would be fit by the time the Super 8 stage arrives. “We were hopeful Josh would be back to match fitness by the Super Eights stage but the latest indications (are) he is still some time away,” Dodemaide told. cricket.com.au.
“Trying to accelerate his program will carry too much of a risk,” he added. The absence of both the pacers also marks the first time Australia are entering a World Cup with the big three – Mitchell Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood – since 2011.
Sean Abbot likely to be drafted in
Meanwhile, Australia are yet to name a replacement for Hazlewood as seam bowling all-rounder Sean Abbot, who is a part of the traveling reserve, is likely to be drafted in. “We will not be naming a replacement player immediately. We feel we are well covered for the initial games so will make any later decisions based on priority need at the time,” Dodemaide added.
