Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign kicks off against Ireland on February 11 amid turmoil in the pace department. Injuries have axed Pat Cummins and now Josh Hazlewood, leaving Nathan Ellis as the linchpin of the bowling unit. He calls it a ‘big miss’ but pledges the team can excel.
Ellis, the squad’s pace veteran, pairs with emerging talents Ben Dwarshuis and Xavier Bartlett. Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis offer all-round support, and Sean Abbott waits in the wings – no Hazlewood sub named yet.
On the star’s exit, Ellis shared: ‘You lose a top-tier bowler, and things shift. Brutal for Josh with his recent struggles; he couldn’t bounce back. My job: adapt maximally. Still, his void echoes.’
Teaming with his partners, he revealed: ‘We’ve logged 18-24 months of cricket together, minus the big three tied to Tests, piling on workload. Plenty of time to connect on-field and off. We thrive collectively.’
‘Varied arsenals allow phase-perfect fusion,’ Ellis continued. ‘Past 18 months’ efforts make this sans those names feel routine.’ He nodded to Starc’s T20 farewell and injury/workload curbs on Cummins-Hazlewood.
The Aussies’ adaptability shines through. Ellis’s poise signals a united front, potentially elevating the attack beyond expectations. Watch this space as they navigate early challenges with grit and innovation.