Josh Hazlewood Skips Australia T20 World Cup Early Games: Rehab In Sydney, Joins Later – Selector Update

Australia's pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood stays home in Sydney for initial T20 World Cup 2026 group games in Colombo/Pallekele, prioritizing Achilles rehab in familiar setup before Sri Lanka flight – selector Tony Dodemaide confirmed no fixed arrival date post-Ashes wipeout (hamstring-to-Achilles). Meanwhile, Nathan Ellis, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell link up Tuesday; Sean Abbott reserves cover.

Injury Timeline: Achilles Flare Post-Hamstring Hell

Hazlewood's nightmare: Hamstring nixed Ashes 2025-26; Achilles erupted rehab. "Practical... beneficial home environment," Dodemaide rationale. Group ends Feb20 – potential Super Eights slot?

Aus Group B: Ireland Feb11 R Premadasa (8:30pm AEDT), Zim Feb13 same (4:30pm), SL Feb16 Pallekele (12:30am AEDT Feb17), Oman Feb20 Pallekele (12:30am Feb21).

Aus Pace Woes Deepen: Cummins Out Too

Pat Cummins back injury full miss; left-arm Ben Dwarshuis replaces (swing, variations, lower-order bash). Selectors eye conditions.

Returning Stars Bolster Early Charge

• Ellis: Hamstring rehab post-BBL finals miss.

• David: 2nd hamstring in 8 months (Dec off).

• Maxwell: Ankle management rest (Pakistan tour skip). Abbott fast cover.

Zampa groin scare precautionary.

Tournament Stakes: Aus Title Defense Path

20-team Feb7-Mar8 India/SL bash (Chennai/Mumbai/Delhi/Kolkata/Ahmedabad + SL venues). Top4 Super Eights → knockouts (SF Mar4/5 Kolkata/Mumbai; F Mar8 Ahmedabad). Aus (T20 WC 2021 champs) ranked 2; favourable Group B vs lower seeds.

Hazlewood's managed return eyes knockout peak – pace rotation key amid injury curse.

Mitch Marsh's squad adapts; opener Ireland looms.