The Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss the opening matches of the T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to begin on February 07 at India and Sri Lanka.
He is currently recovering from an Achilles injury in Sydney, and Sean Abbot has been added to the Australia squad as a travelling reserve.
Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Ellis and Tim David will arrive in Colombo after missing the Pakistan tour. Australia are scheduled to play a warm-up game against the Netherlands before starting their World Cup campaign against Ireland.
The National selectors and medical staff have decided best for Josh Hazlewood to continue his rehab at home. Selector Tony Dodemaide did not reveal a clear date for when Josh Hazlewood might travel to Sri Lanka.
He further added that, making Josh Hazlewood recovered more comfortably. With Ellis also returning from injury, selectors added Sean Abbott as fast-bowling support.
“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,” said Dodemaide.
“With Nathan also completing his return to play, we decided to bring Sean with us as fast bowling cover should anything come up at short notice. Sean is an accomplished and versatile international player who has experienced numerous World Cup campaigns. It made sense for him to stay with the group following the Pakistan tour,” he added.
Australia has already been without Pat Cummins, who has been ruled out of the World Cup as he needs more time to recover from a back injury, while Ben Dwarshus has replaced him in the squad.
However, the injury has been a concern for the Australian team, with Nathan Ellis missing the Hobart Hurricanes’ BBL finals due to a hamstring issue.
Middle-order Tim David has been out of action since December 26 after suffering a second hamstring injury in eight months.
Meanwhile, Glenn Maxwell was also rested from the Pakistan tour as he continues his recovery from a broken ankle.
Australia Squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
