Australia have suffered another setback ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, with Josh Hazlewood likely to miss the early phase of the tournament. The fast bowler will remain in Sydney to continue his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury.
Hazlewood had earlier missed the tour of Pakistan and was also ruled out of the England series due to a hamstring strain, during which he developed the Achilles issue. He had said last month that he was hopeful of being fit for the start of the World Cup in Sri Lanka, but Australia’s selectors and medical staff have decided otherwise for now.
Selector Tony Dodemaide confirmed that Hazlewood will continue rehab at home in a familiar environment before travelling. Sean Abbott has been added to the squad as a travelling reserve, as cover. Abbott stayed with the group after the Pakistan tour due to his experience and versatility.
Australia are already without Pat Cummins, who was ruled out after needing more recovery time from a back injury that caused him to miss four Tests against England. Ben Dwarshuis was included in the final 15-man squad, while Matt Renshaw replaced Matthew Short, who was dropped from the original team.
Pat Cummins Ruled Out of T20 World Cup 2026, Dwarshuis and Renshaw Brought In
Australia will also miss Pat Cummins at the T20 World Cup 2026 after the fast bowler was ruled out due to a back injury. The 32-year-old has not fully recovered and will not take part in the tournament starting on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
Ben Dwarshuis has been named as Cummins’ replacement in the final 15-member squad. He comes in as a left-arm pace option and was part of Australia’s plans as a ready backup.
Selector Tony Dodemaide said Cummins needed more recovery time and that Dwarshuis offers swing bowling, useful variations, strong fielding, and lower-order hitting. The selectors believe his skills suit the conditions expected during the tournament.
Australia have also made a change in their batting group. Matthew Short has been left out of the final squad. Matt Renshaw has been included in his place after strong recent performances across formats.
Dodemaide explained that Renshaw provides extra middle-order support, especially with spin-friendly conditions expected in Sri Lanka. As a left-handed batter, he also adds variety to the lineup, particularly while Tim David completes his return to play in the early phase of the World Cup.
Australia will travel to Sri Lanka for the World Cup pool stages. The tournament will run until March 8.
Australia Monitor Multiple Injury Issues Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 Opener
Injury concerns continue across the squad before the T20 World Cup 2026. Nathan Ellis missed the Hobart Hurricanes’ BBL finals due to a hamstring injury. Tim David has not played since December 26 after another hamstring injury, his second in eight months.
Glenn Maxwell was rested during the Pakistan tour as he managed a previously fractured ankle. Adam Zampa bowled only two overs in the final Pakistan match due to groin tightness, which Cricket Australia described as precautionary.
Despite the concerns, Australia will play a warm-up match against the Netherlands before their tournament opener against Ireland on February 11. Maxwell, Ellis, and David are scheduled to rejoin the squad in Colombo.
Australia’s T20 World Cup squad includes Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, with Sean Abbott as travelling reserve.
FAQs
Q. What injuries did Josh Hazlewood have?
A. Josh Hazlewood missed the Pakistan tour and England series due to a hamstring strain that led to an Achilles issue.
Q. Who replaced Pat Cummins in the final squad?
A. Ben Dwarshuis replaced Pat Cummins in the final 15-member squad.
Q. Why was Matthew Short dropped from the squad?
A. Matthew Short was left out as Australia wanted more middle-order support.
Q. Will Australia play any matches before the tournament starts?
A. Yes, Australia will play a warm-up match against the Netherlands.
Q. When is Australia’s first match of the T20 World Cup 2026?
A. Australia will open their campaign against Ireland on February 11.
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