NEW DELHI: Australia suffered a major blow five days before the T20 World Cup when senior pacer Josh Hazlewood was ruled out due to injury. No replacement has been named yet.
Hazlewood’s absence follows that of Pat Cummins, who was already ruled out with injury.
Hazlewood had a strong 2025 season in the IPL and T20 internationals. He helped Royal Challengers Bangalore win the IPL and took key wickets in three T20I series against South Africa, New Zealand, and India.
He struggled with injuries during the summer and missed the final Sheffield Shield match due to a hamstring problem. Hazlewood was preparing for the T20 World Cup but has not yet regained full fitness.
Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said the team had hoped Hazlewood would be fit by the Super 8 stage. He added that rushing him could be risky.
Dodemaide said no immediate replacement would be named. He added that the squad is strong enough for the early matches.
Reserve player Sean Abbott, who arrived from Pakistan, could be a replacement. Other players, including Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis, and Tim David, are fit for the group stage.
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Hazlewood’s absence marks the first time since Australia’s 2009 Champions Trophy win that the team will play an ICC tournament without any of the following: Hazlewood, Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Steven Smith, or David Warner.
