Australia's T20 WC Chances Take a Massive Hit, This Star Bowler Ruled Out of...

A series of injuries has struck the Aussie camp ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Recently, have suffered another scare, with Josh Hazlewood’s international comeback being delayed further. The injury list has continued to grow for Mitchell Marsh and his men in the build-up to the tournament, with several senior players still struggling to regain full fitness.

Nathan Ellis is also not yet fully fit, although the fast bowler has travelled to Sri Lanka and remains in contention for the group-stage fixtures, which begin on February 11. Apart from Josh Hazlewood and Ellis, concerns remain over Tim David, Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa as well.

Australia's tournament begins on February 11, and they will be up against Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman in the initial phase of the league stage. They can use this time to manage the injury of their marquee players and allow them to regain full fitness ahead of the knockouts.

Australia Name Josh Hazlewood Injury Replacement

Australia have touched down in Colombo after the conclusion of their series against Pakistan, but their pace battery remains affected. None of their iconic fast-bowling trio, who are among the best bowlers in the world, is currently available. Mitchell Starc has retired from T20 internationals, while Pat Cummins has been sidelined through injury.

With Josh Hazlewood also facing an injury concern, the team seems to be in big trouble. At present, he remains in Australia as he continues his recovery from the Achilles issue. There is still no clarity on whether he will regain fitness in time to travel to Sri Lanka and will most likely miss the early phase of the tournament.

To cover for his absence, Australia have named Sean Abbott as Josh Hazlewood replacement in the squad. Abbott featured in the recently concluded T20I series against Pakistan, and his selection is a backup plan when multiple fast bowlers are unavailable due to injury.

Australia's National Selector on Injury Concerns

Hazlewood, one of the best T20 bowlers going around, will miss the initial phase of Australia’s T20 World Cup fixtures in Sri Lanka, as the Australia injuries in T20 World Cup 2026 continue to rise. National selector Tony Dodemaide confirmed on Monday that the fast bowler is staying back as he continues his recovery programme following his injury setback in Sydney. In contrast, Nathan Ellis, Tim David and Glenn Maxwell have already arrived in Colombo and are set to link up with the rest of the Australian squad.

However, Dodemaide didn't provide a clear timeline for Hazlewood’s potential return during the competition. Australia’s initial group-stage schedule runs until February 20, with Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe being their pool opponents in the tournament. They are the favorites to top this group but will need Hazlewood in the important matches going forward.