Australia has suffered another huge blow ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026in India and Sri Lanka as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star, Josh Hazlewood, has been ruled out of the event just five days before the opening clash against Ireland, but a decision on a replacement will be made at a later stage. His withdrawal follows that of their captain, Pat Cummins.

Josh Hazlewood’s absence is significant after a dominant 2025 in the shortest format. He took 12 wickets at 16.58 and an economy rate of 7.37 in 2025 during the Indian Premier League (IPL). But his numbers inside the power play were even better, taking eight wickets at an economy rate of 6.72. He tore through the Proteas in Darwin and India in Melbourne with figures of 3/27 and 3/13 from four overs.

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“We were hopeful Josh would be back to match fitness by the Super 8 stage, but the latest indications are that he is still some time away, and accelerating his program will carry too much risk. We will not be naming a replacement player immediately. We feel we are well covered for the initial games, so we will make any later decisions based on priority need at the time.” Selector Tony Dodemaide expressed.

Josh Hazlewood ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 for Australia

Australia had other injury concerns ahead of the event. Adam Zampa, who reported groin tightness during the final T20I against Pakistan, will be available for the opening game against Ireland, as the reports claimed, while Nathan Ellis and Tim David are on track for the group stage of the tournament.

Hazlewood’s absence means it will be the first time since the 2009 Champions Trophy that the national side has gone to an ICC event without one of Hazlewood, Cummins, or Mitchell Starc (retired). Steve Smith or David Warner in the squad.

None of David, Ellis, and Zampa were available to play in the warm-up against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 05 that was washed out without a ball bowled after the Australia side had listed the only eleven fit players they had available in the squad.  

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fast bowler Josh Hazlewood may miss the opening matches of the T20 World Cup 2026, as he will stay in Sydney to continue his recovery from an Achilles injury. Right-arm pacer Sean Abbott, who played in Australia’s recent series against Pakistan, has been named as a reserve in the squad.

The 35-year-old has not played in recent weeks. He missed the start of the 2025–26 Ashes series due to a hamstring strain and later suffered an Achilles problem while returning to fitness.

Hazlewood was initially sidelined with a hamstring injury before the Achilles setback occurred. After reviewing his condition, Cricket Australia’s medical team decided he should remain at home and focus on regaining full fitness before linking up with the World Cup group.

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Selector Gives Fitness Update on Hazlewood

Providing an update on Josh Hazlewood’s fitness, selector Tony Dodemaide said, as quoted by Cricket Australia, that it was better for the fast bowler to continue his recovery at home.

“We felt it was more practical and helpful for Josh to continue his rehabilitation in a familiar setting before travelling to Sri Lanka,” Dodemaide said.

Josh Hazlewood could miss the early stages of the T20 World Cup as he will remain in Sydney to continue his rehabilitation from an Achilles issue with Sean Abbott added to Australia's squad as a travelling reserve pic.twitter.com/EGJmARN8YM

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 2, 2026

Cummins Ruled Out, Others Join Squad

As Hazlewood races against time, Cricket Australia confirmed on January 31 that Pat Cummins will miss the T20 World Cup 2026 due to an ongoing back problem. Left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis has been named as his replacement.

Meanwhile, Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Ellis, and Tim David are set to join the Australian squad in Colombo on Tuesday. The trio missed the Pakistan tour and will be available for the warm-up match against the Netherlands on Thursday, February 5.

Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule

The 2021 champions have been placed in Group B for the T20 World Cup 2026. Australia will begin their campaign against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo. They will then face Zimbabwe on February 13 in Colombo, Sri Lanka on February 16 in Kandy, and Oman on February 20, also in Kandy.

Australia Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Australia’s squad includes Mitch Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.

Sean Abbott has been named as the travelling reserve.

Australia, it seems, will rely on the experience of the three players, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David, who will be very likely to be included in the provisional 15-man squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup despite the fact that there are worries regarding the fitness of the trio.

Of the three, Cummins is still the most uncertain player. The Australia captain hasn't been seen in the international arena since July when lumbar stress injury led to him being out of action. He first came back for the Adelaide Test during the Ashes and bowled with his usually high intensity but eventually the selectors decided to take no more risks and ruled him out for the rest of the series. Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that in four weeks, Cummins would be given another scan on his back and that a final decision would be made at that point. For the moment, he is still a part of the team that will be sent in ahead of the ICC deadline.

Hazlewood and Tim David are on the right track as Australia gets ready for the T20 World Cup opener 

Josh Hazlewood's case seems to be more positive. The leading pacer could not take part in the Ashes series at all because of his hamstring and Achilles issues, but he has started to bowl again and is doing well on the recovery path. Hazlewood was excellent in the last T20 series against India and is still a key player in Australia’s powerplay and death overs strategies. The team management is confident that the timelines are in his favor on the road to the World Cup.

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Middle-order enforcer Tim David is also racing against the clock. The 29-year-old sustained a grade-two right hamstring strain during his participation in the Big Bash League while playing for the Hobart Hurricanes, which has led to him being sidelined for the rest of the tournament. Nevertheless, his healing period gives hope to Australia that he will be ready for the world event.

Australia's World Cup journey starts on February 11 against Ireland, and then they face Zimbabwe, which gives room for some players to get extra days off if they need it for recovery. However, a three-match T20I series in Pakistan at the end of January will be the last preparation, even if it means several stars miss the BBL finals.

Australia have received a timely boost ahead of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, with both Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood returning to the nets in Sydney. The fast-bowling duo, who missed the opening Test in Perth due to injury, trained at Cricket Central while New South Wales were in Sheffield Shield action.

Cummins, recovering from a back issue, was seen bowling with the pink ball,an encouraging sign with the Brisbane Test set to be a day-night fixture. According to head coach Andrew McDonald, the Australian captain is nearing the end of his rehabilitation. He noted that Cummins’ intensity and pace in the nets suggested real progress, though the final hurdle remains proving he can withstand the significant workload required in Test cricket.

The two-day finish in Perth has given Australia an extended break before the second Test, which has strengthened Cummins’ chances of returning. With the schedule tightening after Brisbane, his availability would be a major lift for the hosts as they aim to build on their early advantage.

Hazlewood Eyes Adelaide as Australia’s Pace Bench Shows Impressive Depth

Hazlewood, meanwhile, bowled with the red ball as he works his way back from a hamstring strain. Although he is not expected to feature in Brisbane, his presence at training has provided optimism that he will be ready for the third Test in Adelaide. McDonald indicated that the team expects Hazlewood to play a part later in the series once his early rehab phase is complete.

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Australia’s depth has also been highlighted by impressive domestic performances. Xavier Bartlett’s standout display for Queensland,taking 4 for 35 and scoring a career-best 72,has placed him firmly on the selectors’ radar, though Australia may not need reinforcements if their frontline quicks return as planned. Michael Neser, the spare pacer in Perth, remains another strong option, especially at his home ground in Brisbane.

Jhye Richardson is also edging closer to full fitness after shoulder surgery. He bowled 20 overs for the Cricket Australia XI against England Lions and is expected to feature for Australia A next week. With Cummins likely for the Gabba and Hazlewood targeting Adelaide, Australia’s pace stocks appear to be strengthening at the perfect time.

Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins have made significant progress in their recoveries, returning to bowling ahead of the second Ashes Test, which starts on December 4. Both fast bowlers had missed the opening Test in Perth, which Australia won by eight wickets. Their return to training has boosted hopes of a stronger pace attack for the upcoming matches.

The duo was seen bowling at Cricket Central in Sydney while New South Wales were facing Tasmania in a Sheffield Shield game. Hazlewood is working his way back from a hamstring injury, while Cummins has been recovering from a back issue. During the training session, Hazlewood used the red ball and Cummins bowled with the pink ball, signalling preparation for different match conditions.

Australian head coach Andrew McDonald shared updates on both players. He confirmed that Hazlewood will definitely feature at some point in the series. Regarding Cummins, McDonald said he is progressing well but the team will be careful not to rush him. The coach stressed that they want to avoid pushing Cummins too quickly and risking further injury.

McDonald Shares Injury Timeline and Selection Possibilities

"I know that he'll be available at some point during the series. We've got a little bit of that early rehab to go through to formulate where he may plug into the series, but we expect him to take some part in the series. It looked like a player that was nearing the completion of his rehabilitation. The intensity was there, the ball speed was there. There's a lot of positives, but now it's just really building that resilience within the soft tissue and making sure that we're not putting him in harm's way in terms of accelerating it too much," stated McDonald, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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While Cummins has a chance of returning for the pink-ball Test, Hazlewood is expected to be fully available from the third Test onward. If both return, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett are likely to make way despite their strong performances in Perth. Mitchell Starc was the standout bowler in the first Test, taking a 10-wicket match haul and earning Player of the Match for his exceptional effort.

Australia have suffered a body blow ahead of the opening Ashes 2025/26 Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth next week as their veteran pacer, Josh Hazlewood, has been ruled out of the opening game in Perth with a hamstring injury. He was cleared when he left the field during New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria at the SCG. He won’t travel to Perth this weekend, as they have also lost Sean Abbott to a hamstring injury. 

Hazlewood, who has 295 wickets in the longest format, was in superb form against India in the white-ball formats last month and also looked in a great rhythm in Sydney. However, after completing his spell on the third morning, he felt some tightness in his hamstring and left the field immediately.

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The lanky pacer walked to a clinic next door to the SCG to have a scan, which, before the match had finished, returned clear. The national side is already missing their captain and star pace bowling all-rounder, Pat Cummins, for the opening fixture.

Australia add Michael Neser as cover for injured pacers for Ashes 2025/26 Perth Test

Since the beginning of 2014, Australia have only played twice at home in a Test match without Cummins and Hazlewood, but won on both occasions. Those games were against England in 2021 and against West Indies in 2022, which are also the two Tests Neser had played. Hazlewood’s injury means that Brendan Doggett could be closing in on a Test debut.

“Initial scans on Wednesday were clear of muscle strain; however, follow-up imaging today has confirmed the injury. Early imaging can occasionally underestimate low-grade muscle injuries.” Cricket Australia expressed in a statement. England would also likely miss their star pacer, Mark Wood, with hamstring tightness.

“Hopefully by Perth, I'm up there near 100%, and then see where we're at. It's still pretty aggressive, going from nothing to trying to get ready for a Test match in four weeks. But we're going to give it a good shot.” Pat Cummins expressed and is likely to return for the second Gabba Test.

A week before The Ashes, Australia sustained multiple injury concerns in the form of superstar pacer Josh Hazlewood and reserve pacer Sean Abbott. Both of the seamers were sent for scans on day three of the Sheffield Shield clash between New South Wales and Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Because of the niggle, none of them returned to the field for the remainder of the day.

Speaking about the double injury concerns, Australia captain Pat Cummins provides updates. Because of a back issue, Cummins, who was already ruled out of the first Test against England, was informed that the niggle of Hazlewood was probably not too serious, and he is hopeful to see him in the highly anticipated Test series. Though, he was not so optimistic about the availability of Sean Abbott.

"Joshy (Josh Hazlewood) was pretty confident when he walked out, so hopefully it shouldn’t be too much of an issue. It’s rare to get him chipper, so it was good to see him smiling. He knows his body really well. I think he was a little bit worried and wanted to get it checked out. I only saw him briefly, but he was a bit happier afterwards," Cummins said about Josh Hazlewood. Later,

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RCB skipper Rajat Patidar also got injured ahead of IPL 2026

Cricket Australia, in a statement, informed that the ace pacer is all clear to join the national camp for the Ashes. "(Hazlewood) underwent precautionary scans, which have cleared him of muscle strain. He will train as planned in the lead-up to the first Test in Perth," Cricket Australia said in its statement. 

The niggle of Josh Hazlewood not only worried the Australian cricket fans but also the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans, as their IPL 2025 winning captain, Rajat Patidar, is already out with a muscle injury and is expected to remain out of action for about four months. As of now, it is unclear when Patidar could make a comeback into competitive cricket. If the nature of the injury he sustained proves more serious, then the RCB skipper can miss the initial few matches of IPL 2026. 

In a major twist before the Ashes, Australia has released Travis Head from its T20I squad against India to get ready for the Test series. The explosive left-handed batsman will miss the last two T20Is to play South Australia in a Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania in Hobart next week, his first first-class match since the tour of the West Indies in July. 

The decision apparently was left to Head, who decided to have productive practice in red-ball format heading into the Ashes. The 31-year-old has a key spot in Australia's T20I setup, but chose preparation in long format instead of limited overs cricket. The No. 5 spot in Australia's Test setup is critical and he will be a major player with his counter-attacking style in the middle order when the Ashes start.

Head is a player who is going through a lean period in white-ball cricket, as he has only scored a top score of 31 runs after hitting a brilliant 142 against South Africa during the month of August. On the ongoing tour to India, he has scored just 34 runs at an average of 17 in T20Is and 65 runs in three ODIs. He is likely to be replaced by either Matthew Short or Josh Philippe as an opening partner for Mitchell Marsh in the other two matches. 

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Hazlewood, Abbott, and Sangha Released for Domestic Duties as Australia Eye Strong Finish to T20I Series

Meanwhile, in the past day, senior players have been released from the squad to focus on their domestic commitments. Fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott will feature for New South Wales in their Sheffield Shield match against Victoria at the SCG. Hazlewood had already finished his two-match T20I involvement, but Abbott's exit will allow left-arm quick Ben Dwarshuis to return to the squad after recovering from a calf injury.

Leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha has also been given permission to play for NSW in the One-Day Cup before rejoining the national team for the fourth T20I on the Gold Coast. The T20I series is now tied at 1-1 after India claimed a five-wicket victory in Hobart, setting up an exciting conclusion to the last two games. 

Australia T20I Squad (for remaining matches): Mitchell Marsh (c), Matthew Wade, Tim David, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short/Josh Philippe, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Jason Behrendorff.

India batter Abhishek Sharma has already faced and beaten many top players in world cricket early in his career. He has quickly reached the top of the ICC T20I rankings and holds a record rating. Still, he couldn’t believe what he saw from fast bowler Josh Hazlewood in the second T20I against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday.

Hazlewood bowled four overs with the new ball, taking three wickets and giving away only 13 runs at an economy rate of 3.2. His spell caused India to collapse to 49/5 in eight overs. If not for Abhishek’s brilliant 68 runs off 37 balls, India wouldn’t have come close to their final score of 125 all out.

The left-hander faced Hazlewood for only four balls and scored six runs, which included a lucky boundary past the wicketkeeper.

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Abhishek Sharma Praises Hazlewood’s Bowling Masterclass

“I was watching him in the ODIs too, so we knew he would challenge us,” Abhishek said in the post-match press conference after Australia chased down the target with four wickets in hand. “But the way he bowled today even surprised me. I haven’t seen something like this in T20s. It was something new for me as a batter who always wants to attack. But he had a plan, and he executed it perfectly,” he added.

Enjoying the Challenge

When asked if he was relieved that Hazlewood would not play the remaining matches to prepare for the 2025–26 Ashes, Abhishek smiled and said, “Oh, is he? I didn’t know that. But yes, he is good enough to play all formats. Still, I was enjoying this challenge because as a batter, you have to face world-class bowlers, and that’s what I was trying to do,” he added.

Watch the now-viral reaction here:

Abhishek Sharma got absolute donuts out of Travis Head, but his reaction to finding out Josh Hazlewood wasn't playing the rest of this series was priceless 😂 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/mMaz0fAnQN

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 31, 2025

Australia lead the series 1–0 after a washout in Canberra and a win in Melbourne. The third T20I will be played on Sunday in Hobart.

After the ODI series, India is taking on Australia for a 5-match T20I series. After the 1st T20I match was washed out, India took on Australia in the 2nd T20I at MCG. After a great batting display by Indian batters in 1st T20I, the picture in 2nd T20I was totally different.

In Canberra, Indian Batters seemed in great form, and after washing off, it was expected they would carry this form in the 2nd match. But nothing like this happened at MCG. Josh Hazlewood made a difference with his bowling. Hazlewood always bowled with precision, which created trouble whenever any batter faced him. 

While batting first, Indian batters crumble in Hazlewood's storm. He was also seen in good form in 1st T20I as well. He took early and crucial wickets of Shubman Gill, Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, and other power hitters. His brilliant bowling put the host nation in the driving seat.

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Josh Hazlewood Strikes; India’s Batting Collapses:

Since the ODI series, Josh Hazlewood has been exceptional in every match. In every match, he created a big difference between the two teams with his brilliant bowling spell. Though the first T20I was washed out, Hazlewood was the only wicket-taker. In the next one, he rattled India’s heavy power-packed top order with his brilliance.

Hazlewood dismantled India’s top order, starting with Shubman Gill’s dismissal in the third over. His devastating third over of the spell — the fifth of the innings — saw him remove Tilak Varma and captain Suryakumar Yadav in quick succession, conceding just a single run. Both batters, known for their explosive stroke play, were undone by his precision and pace. In his spell, a catch was dropped as well.

In the 2nd T20I match, Josh bowled an exceptional spell. In his spell, he only conceded 13 runs, at an economy of 3.20, and picked up 3 crucial pillars of India’s top order; Shubman Gill, Skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. His experience helped Australia take the lead in the series and win the match by 4 wickets.