Josh Hazlewood to stay put in Sydney for early part of T20 World Cup, confirms Cricket Australia

Australia have been dealt a massive blow as their premier pacer Josh Hazlewood won't be travelling to Sri Lanka for the early part of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Hazlewood will remain in Sydney and continue his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury.

Australia have added Sean Abbott as a travelling reserve to ensure they do not run out of fast bowling options. Abbott was a part of Australia's squad during the recently concluded three-match T20I series against Pakistan.

He was included in the playing XI for the second T20I and returned figures of 1/33 in three overs, claiming the big scalp of Agha Salman (76 off 40). He will join the T20 World Cup squad in Colombo.

Notably, Hazlewood has not been able to play any form of competitive cricket since the Sheffield Shield game between Victoria and New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground in November last year. He sustained a hamstring injury during the course of the game and was ruled out of the Ashes opener in Perth after being initially cleared for participation.

Hazlewood met with another setback as he picked up an Achilles injury while recuperating from the hamstring blow and was eventually ruled out of the entire series.

Australia's World Cup campaign in a precarious position

Australia are also sweating over the fitness of their leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who suffered a groin injury during the 3rd T20I against Pakistan. Zampa bowled just two overs and did not come out to bat, but the Australia captain, Mitchell Marsh, clarified that it was just a precautionary measure.

 "He just had some awareness in his groin," Marsh told reporters.

Australia are in Group B alongside Ireland, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Oman. They will open their campaign against Ireland on February 11 at the R Premadasa in Colombo.

Australia's squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026:

Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa