Just one day before ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off, Australia has suffered its most major setback yet. Premier pacer Josh Hazlewood has been officially ruled out of the entire tournament, joining Pat Cummins on the sidelines.
With Mitchell Starc having retired from T20 Internationals last year, this marks the first time since March 2011 that Australia will compete in a World Cup without any of their famed "Big Three" fast-bowling trio.
Reason for Withdrawal
Josh Hazlewood has been battling a persistent hamstring injury sustained during a Sheffield Shield match in November. He was initially named in the squad with the hope that he would be fit for Super Eight stage, but the medical team determined that his recovery was not progressing fast enough.
Captain: Mitchell Marsh - Fit
Leading Spinner: Adam Zampa - Recovered from groin tightness
Key Batters: Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Tim David
Available Seamers: Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis
All-Rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green - Fit
Ruled Out (Injured): Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins - Injured
Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis (who replaced Pat Cummins) are the only fully fit specialist seamers left in the squad.
In the spin-friendly conditions of Sri Lanka, Australia is expected to lean heavily on Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Glenn Maxwell.
Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis will be required to bowl more significant spells than originally planned.
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