Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s premier fast bowler, has regained full fitness and is set to make his competitive comeback in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 with the Sydney Sixers ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India. The right-arm pacer has been added as a supplementary contracted player and will feature for the Sixers for the remainder of the tournament, bringing relief to Australian cricket fans after a lengthy injury layoff.

Sydney Sixers welcome back Hazlewood

The Sydney Sixers announced the exciting news on their social media platform, expressing their delight at securing one of world cricket’s most reliable fast bowlers.

“We’re excited to welcome back Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood as a supplementary contracted player for KFC BBL 15,” the Sydney Sixers wrote.

In the Big Bash League, a supplementary contract allows clubs to sign Cricket Australia-contracted players who are expected to have limited availability due to national team commitments. This mechanism was introduced to help BBL clubs secure top Australian talent without forcing them to sacrifice a valuable spot on their primary 18-man bench or commit to a significant salary-cap hit for a player who may not play many matches.

Injury setbacks delayed Hazlewood’s return

Josh Hazlewood has been one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket, excelling across all three formats with his accuracy, bounce, and consistency. Every team he represents values his presence and impact. However, the Australian pacer has a long history of injuries that have interrupted his career.

During the recent Ashes Test series, Hazlewood was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. While recovering from that setback, he suffered another blow with an Achilles issue, further delaying his return. His comeback in the BBL has brought relief to his fans as well as the Australian cricket team, who are targeting a second title at the upcoming T20 World Cup, set to be played in the Indian subcontinent.

First BBL appearance since 2019

Hazlewood’s inclusion will further strengthen the Sydney Sixers squad, especially with Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith also expected to join the side after the Sydney Test. Hazlewood has not played in the BBL since 2019 and has never represented any franchise other than the Sydney Sixers. In his last appearance, he featured in just one match.

The experienced pacer has also been named in Australia’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, underlining his importance in the national setup as he returns to full fitness. His participation in the BBL will provide crucial match practice and rhythm ahead of the marquee tournament in India.

Australia’s pace battery strengthens

With Hazlewood returning to full fitness and joining forces with the likes of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Ellis, Australia’s pace attack looks formidable heading into the T20 World Cup. The Sixers’ BBL campaign will serve as an ideal testing ground for Hazlewood to rediscover his rhythm and build match fitness in T20 conditions similar to what he’ll face in India.

Australia, the reigning ODI World Cup champions, are aiming to add the T20 World Cup trophy to their cabinet. Hazlewood’s experience and wicket-taking ability in powerplay and death overs will be crucial to their campaign.