Australia’s fast bowler Josh Hazlewood misses the T20 World Cup after failing to regain full fitness for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka.
Hazlewood skipped the Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles injuries but was set to return for portions of the global event.
National Selector Addresses Timeline
Selector Tony Dodemaide explains, “We were hopeful Josh would be back to match fitness by the Super 8 stage but the latest indications show he remains some time away, and accelerating his program carries too much risk.”
Dodemaide adds, “We will not name a replacement player right away. The squad covers the opening matches adequately, with decisions to follow based on emerging needs.”
Pace Attack Challenges
Mitchell Starc’s T20 retirement and Pat Cummins’s back injury mean this marks Australia’s first World Cup in over a decade without a member of its premier pace trio.
Positive Availability Updates
Fast bowler Nathan Ellis and batter Tim David prepare for group-stage action, while legspinner Adam Zampa readies for the opener against Ireland in Colombo next week.
The 2021 champions enter the competition fresh off a 3-0 sweep in their T20 warmup series against Pakistan.
