Who will Replace Josh Hazlewood in T20 World Cup 2026? Top 3 Replacements Here

The Australian cricket team has suffered a huge blow ahead of the much-awaited T20 World Cup 2026 as their star pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the tournament. The right-arm pacer missed out on the recently concluded Ashes 2025-26 series but was named in Australia's initial squad for the T20 World Cup.

However, he didn't join the squad in Sri Lanka and stayed in Sydney, failing to recover from the injury, and hence will not play the tournament. Josh Hazlewood injury concerns are not new to Australian cricket. The star bowler even missed out on the latest Ashes series.

Being one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, he would've led the bowling department for Australia as well. The Kangaroos haven't announced Josh Hazlewood replacement yet, but there are three names that might get a quick call-up to join the squad for the major tournament.

Top Josh Hazlewood Replacements for T20 World Cup 2026

Josh Hazlewood T20 World Cup absence is likely to affect Australia in this tournament. .It won't be easy to join a player of the caliber of Josh Hazlewood in Australia's T20 World Cup squad. The 2021 champions will be without three of their best fast bowlers Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins for this tournament. Let's look out at some of the best picks who can replace him in the squad.

1. Jhye Richardson

Australia's star pacer Jhye Richardson could be a perfect replacement, given his ability to provide initial breakthroughs in the powerplay just like Hazlewood. Richardson has featured in 18 T20I matches so far in his career and taken 19 wickets.

Richardson has also featured in the Indian Premier League and has the experience of playing in Asian pitches. His pace and T20 experience would make a perfect replacement for Hazlewood.

2. Spencer Johnson

Left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson might have played fewer matches compared to Richardson, but the quality he brings to the team is incomparable. Johnson has played eight matches in the T20I format and has taken 14 wickets, including a five-wicket haul against Pakistan in 2024.

Just like Richardson, Johnson has also played in the IPL, and it might be helpful for the team. His skills make him a viable option for the replacement of Josh Hazlewood.

3. Steve Smith

An out-of-the-box choice, but former Australia captain Steve Smith might be a key addition to the team as Hazlewood's replacement. Smith is in red-hot form, considering his recent heroics in the Big Bash League, where he even smashed century as well.

While he might not be a life-for-like replacement for Hazlewood, the star batter is one of the best batsmen in the world. Smith has played 67 T20I matches in his career, scoring over 1,000 runs while also picking up 17 wickets as well.