T20 World Cup 2026: Josh Hazlewood to miss first half
What's the story
Australia's premier speedster, Josh Hazlewood, is set to miss the first half of the 2026 T20 World Cup, the BBC reported on Tuesday. The 35-year-old has been out of action since mid-November due to a hamstring strain and an Achilles injury that he sustained during rehabilitation. He missed the start of the Ashes against England before being ruled out for the entire series.
Recovery status
Hazlewood unlikely to play first half
Despite his injuries, Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald had said in December that Hazlewood was on track to be fit for the tournament's start. However, teammate Pat Cummins, who recently withdrew from the T20 World Cup due to a back injury, doesn't expect Hazlewood to play until later in the tournament. Notably, Sean Abbott has been added as a traveling reserve for Australia.
Teammate insights
Cummins praises Hazlewood's dedication to recovery
Cummins told Australian broadcaster Nine Network that he had recently met with Hazlewood and was impressed by his dedication to recovery. "He's working so hard. I really feel for him - he's had a few setbacks," said Cummins. He added, "I don't think he will be there for the start of the tournament, but he's trying his best to be there about halfway through."
Career highlights
Hazlewood's T20 numbers
Despite not playing a T20 for nearly four years between March 2016 and January 2020, Hazlewood has an impressive record. He has taken 133 wickets at an average of 20.44 and an economy rate of 7.57 since his return to the format. However, he is currently in Sydney as selector Tony Dodemaide thinks it is "more practical and beneficial for him to continue his rehabilitation at home."
T20I cricket
Hazlewood has been sensational in T20Is
Hazlewood is the only one of Australia's Big Three to have played T20Is since the last World Cup, in the Caribbean. He has also been sensational in T20Is, having taken 79 wickets from just 60 matches at an economy rate of 7.47. Hazlewood's ability to bowl at any stage of the game and perturb the batters with his precise length stands out.