HUGE blow for Australia! Josh Hazlewood ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 due to…

Josh Hazlewood initially was named in the Australian squad for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has taken a major hit even before the tournament gets underway. Premier fast bowler Josh Hazlewood officially ruled out after failing to recover in time from a hamstring injury. Cricket Australia confirmed the decision on Friday, February 6, stating that the 35-year-old pacer had “run out of time” to return to full match fitness.

Hazlewood was initially expected to link up with the squad during the latter half of the tournament, with hopes pinned on his availability from the Super 8 stage onwards. However, selectors ultimately decided against pushing his rehabilitation, citing the risk involved in accelerating his recovery program.

Selectors opt against naming a replacement, confident in squad depth despite Josh Hazlewood setback

“We were hopeful Josh would be back to match fitness by the Super 8 stage but the latest indications he is still some time away and accelerating his program will carry too much risk,” selector Tony Dodemaide said. “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.”

The decision further compounds Australia’s growing injury concerns ahead of the marquee event, which begins on February 7 across venues in India and Sri Lanka. Earlier, pace spearhead Pat Cummins was ruled out of the entire tournament due to a persistent back injury, prompting Cricket Australia to bring in Ben Dwarshuis as his replacement.

Adding to the woes, Mitchell Starc’s retirement from T20 internationals has already deprived the side of a proven big-match performer. Hazlewood’s absence is particularly significant given his experience and ability to control games with the new ball and at the death.

The right-arm pacer was also sidelined from the 2025–26 Ashes series after suffering an Achilles issue during rehabilitation from a previous hamstring strain, highlighting a difficult injury cycle late in his career.

There is, however, some positive news for Australia. Nathan Ellis and Tim David are on track to be available for the group stage, while leg-spinner Adam Zampa will be fit for the opening match in Colombo next week. With Hazlewood now officially out, the pressure will firmly be on the next generation of Australian bowlers to step up on the world stage.

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