T20 World Cup 2026: Josh Hazlewood blow for Australia ahead of campaign opener; Sean Abbot likely to be drafted in

After Pat Cummins, Australia were dealt with a severe blow as pacer Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026, just days before their campaign opener against Ireland. With Cummins already rules out with an ongoing back injury, Australia will be entering the major event without their two frontline pacers. Australia play their first game on February 11.

Hazlewood had suffered a hamstring injury during a Sheffield Shield match in November. To add to more to that, an ACL blow made things worse for the right-arm pacer. That means, Australia will enter the T20 World Cup 2026 with just two fit pacers in Ben Dwarshuis and Xavier Bartlett.

Cricket Australia (CA) selector Todd Dodemaide said that they thought Hazlewood would be fit by the time Super 8 stage arrives. “We were hopeful Josh would be back to match fitness by the Super Eights stage but the latest indications (are) he is still some time away,” Dodemaide told cricket.com.au.

“Trying to accelerate his program will carry too much of a risk,” he added.