T20 World Cup 2026: Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out of Initial Games as Sean Abbott Joins Squad

The T20 World Cup 2026 will start on February 7. Before the tournament begins, Cricket Australia has received bad news as their star fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss the first few matches of the World Cup.

Hazlewood will remain in Sydney as he continues his rehab to recover from an Achilles injury. Sean Abbott has been added to the T20 World Cup squad as a travelling reserve. It is also worth noting that the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Ellis, and Tim David will join the squad in Colombo after they missed the T20I tour of Pakistan. 

Josh Hazlewood Likely to Miss Early T20 World Cup Matches Due to Injury

Hazlewood first missed the start of the Ashes because of a hamstring injury. Later, during his recovery, he also suffered an Achilles injury. Cricket Australia’s medical staff thought it better that the star pacer remain at home to continue his rehab before joining the squad for the World Cup. Cricket Australia selector Tony Dodemaide spoke about Josh Hazlewood’s situation and said it was better for him to stay at home and focus on recovering.

"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. 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,” Dodemaide was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. 

Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Sean Abbott (travelling reserve)

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