Ellis Backs Australia’s Pace Depth to Overcome Big-Name Absences at T20 World Cup

Nathan Ellis has acknowledged that the absence of Josh Hazlewood is a significant blow for Australia at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, but believes the side’s expanded pace depth leaves them well equipped to compete despite missing their established fast-bowling trio.

Hazlewood and Pat Cummins were named in Australia’s initial squad but were ruled out due to injuries sustained during the home summer, while Mitchell Starc’s retirement from T20 internationals means none of Australia’s long-time frontline quicks are present at the tournament.

That has elevated Ellis into a senior role within the pace unit. With 32 T20I caps, the right-armer is Australia’s most experienced fast bowler in the squad, working alongside Ben Dwarshuis (14 caps) and Xavier Bartlett (18 caps). Allrounders Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis provide additional pace options, while Sean Abbott (29 caps) remains with the group as a reserve. Australia are currently operating with a 14-player squad, having not yet named a replacement for Hazlewood.

“You lose a world-class player and one of the better white-ball bowlers in the world in Hoff, things are always going to have to change,” Ellis said. “It’s really unfortunate for our squad and for him. He’s had a tough few months. Missing Josh Hazlewood is always a big miss.”

With Cummins and Starc not having played a T20I since the previous World Cup in 2024, and Hazlewood rotated regularly, Australia have effectively spent the past 18 to 24 months building depth in their fast-bowling resources. Ellis believes that period has been critical in preparing the current group.

“We’ve had a lot of cricket together where the big three haven’t been playing and have had bigger workloads in Test cricket,” he said. “We’ve had time to form connections and relationships on and off the field. As a bowling unit, we work really well together.”

Dwarshuis has impressed with his variations and offers a left-arm option previously absent from the squad, while Bartlett has made an impact with the new ball. Ellis said the differing skill sets within the group allow flexibility across phases of the innings.

“Obviously a squad with Hoff and Cummo is a strong squad,” he said, “but without them I feel like we’re just as well placed to go deep.”

Ellis himself is returning from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the Big Bash League finals with the Hobart Hurricanes. He remains confident of being fit for Australia’s opening match against Ireland on Wednesday, though selectors may opt to delay his return until the game against Zimbabwe two days later.

“I feel really good,” Ellis said. “Missing the BBL was very precautionary. We’ve taken a cautious approach with three games in a short space of time, but touch wood I’m confident I’ll be fit and strong and hopefully playing every game.”

Australia will be the last team to begin their T20 World Cup campaign, allowing them to observe early tournament conditions. Ellis noted particular interest in Sri Lanka’s match against Ireland at the R Premadasa Stadium, where Australia will play their first two games.

“So far, there have been slightly slower wickets and a lot of spin bowled,” he said. “The big difference might be the 11am starts compared to 7pm games, so we’ll keep an eye on that and hopefully use it to our advantage.”