Australia’s T20 World Cup aspirations face a major hurdle as Josh Hazlewood is confirmed unavailable for the marquee event starting Saturday in Sri Lanka and India. The right-arm speedster’s persistent injuries have dashed hopes of a timely comeback.
It all started with a hamstring pull in the last Sheffield Shield outing before Ashes duty. England series bypassed, rehab hit an Achilles snag, extending downtime. Twelve games wicketless since November, he was squad-listed but lagged behind in Sydney as teammates touched down in Colombo.
National selector Tony Dodemaide cited fresh scans: ‘Super 8s was the target, but he requires additional healing. Acceleration invites disaster.’ Replacement talks are on hold; early fixtures deemed covered, with adjustments per pitch and form.
Even rusty, Hazlewood’s T20 legacy shines. Four years off, yet his 2021 heroics—3/16 vs NZ in the final—clinched glory. Totals: 56 games, 133 wickets @20.44, econ 7.57.
Cummins’ injury compounds matters; fit pacers limited to Bartlett and Dwarshuis. Abbott eyes elevation. Ellis, David may suit up post-hamstring, Zampa primed for opener. No Netherlands hit-out, but Ireland prep spans six days.
Captain Marsh projects steel: ‘All-round firepower from Stoinis and Green, spin balance via Kuhnemann-Zampa. Battle-ready.’ This setback tests Australia’s bench strength early, but champions adapt.