Josh Hazlewood to miss early matches of T20 World Cup 2026

Australian cricket team fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is set to miss the early matches of the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins in India and Sri Lanka on Saturday.

The 35-year-old pacer will remain in Sydney to continue his recovery from injury, extending his period on the sidelines that started before the Ashes began in November.

"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," selector Tony Dodemaide said in a statement on Monday.

Hazlewood had initially been ruled out of the first two Tests of the Ashes with a hamstring strain but missed the entire series after developing an Achilles injury.

The rest of the Australian squad for the T20 World Cup arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday, with Sean Abbott added as a travelling reserve.

Hazlewood was a key member of Australia’s title-winning campaign at the T20 World Cup in 2021, finishing as their second-highest wicket-taker with 11 dismissals at an average of 15.90 and an economy of 7.29.

He also spearheaded Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden Indian Premier League title run last season, taking 22 wickets from 12 matches.

Hazlewood has taken 79 wickets in 60 T20Is and is 12th in the ICC rankings for bowlers in the format.

Australia will play all their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka and open their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Ireland on February 11. They enter the tournament after a 3-0 away series defeat to Pakistan.

Australia’s Injury concerns at the T20 World Cup 2026 extend beyond Josh Hazlewood.

Pat Cummins, initially named in the provisional squad, has been ruled out of the entire tournament.

Fast bowler Nathan Ellis and big-hitters Glenn Maxwell and Tim David also arrive at the T20 World Cup after injuries.

Click here to read article