Hazlewood Could Miss Early T20 World Cup Matches, Abbott Added as Travelling Reserve

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is set to miss the early stages of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as he continues rehabilitation from an Achilles injury in Sydney. Cricket Australia confirmed that Sean Abbott has been added to the squad as a travelling reserve to cover the fast-bowling group.

Hazlewood, who has not played since being sidelined by a hamstring strain during the England series, later developed an Achilles issue during his recovery. Although he had expressed confidence last month about being fit in time for the tournament in Sri Lanka, selectors and medical staff have opted for a cautious approach, allowing him to remain at home for now.

“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,” selector Tony Dodemaide said. “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.”

Abbott recently toured Pakistan with the Australian side and was retained with the group due to his experience and versatility. “Sean is an accomplished international player who has been involved in multiple World Cup campaigns,” Dodemaide added.

Meanwhile, Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Ellis and Tim David are set to join the squad in Colombo on Tuesday after missing the recent tour of Pakistan. Australia are scheduled to play a warm-up match against the Netherlands on Thursday before opening their World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 11.

Hazlewood’s delayed arrival adds to Australia’s growing injury concerns ahead of the tournament. Pat Cummins has already been ruled out after requiring more time to recover from a back injury, with Ben Dwarshuis drafted into the final 15-man squad. Matthew Short was also omitted from the initial squad and replaced by Matt Renshaw.

There are further fitness question marks within the group. Ellis missed Hobart Hurricanes’ BBL finals due to a hamstring issue, while David has not played since December 26 after suffering a hamstring injury in the BBL — his second such setback in eight months. Maxwell was rested from the Pakistan tour as part of ongoing management of his previously broken ankle.

Adam Zampa also faced a minor scare after bowling only two overs and not batting in the final match of Australia’s series against Pakistan in Lahore due to groin tightness, though Cricket Australia described the move as precautionary.

Despite the setbacks, Australia will hope to have key players returning to full fitness as the tournament progresses, with Hazlewood’s availability to be reassessed once he completes further rehabilitation.

Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2026

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