Earlier, it was to have been a “part of the T20 World Cup” to be missed on account of injury, now it’s the worst. So what is the worst bit, after all? A massive blow has struck Australia ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with Josh Hazlewood reportedly ruled out of the tournament. The experienced fast bowler has been a cornerstone of Australia’s white-ball success in recent years, and his absence leaves a significant gap in both skill and leadership within the squad. Hazlewood’s value in T20 cricket goes beyond raw pace. Known for his accuracy, bounce, and ability to extract movement with the new ball, he has often been Australia’s go-to option for early breakthroughs and pressure-building spells. His calm presence in high-stakes matches, particularly in global tournaments, has made him one of the most trusted bowlers in the setup. For the Australia national cricket team, losing Hazlewood means a forced rethink of their bowling combination and match strategies.
While Australia boasts strong fast-bowling depth, replacing Hazlewood’s consistency and big-match temperament will not be easy. Younger or less experienced bowlers may now be thrust into crucial roles, increasing both opportunity and risk.
Looking ahead to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Australia will need to adapt quickly, refine their plans, and build cohesion without one of their most reliable performers. Hazlewood’s absence undoubtedly tilts the balance, making Australia’s World Cup campaign more challenging and unpredictable.
Forget not that Hazlewood, particularly in the absence of Cummins and Starc, was to have led the pace attack for the former World Cup winners. But not anymore; the former World Cup winners, responsible for the 2021 triumph, will dearly miss out on someone who almost has 80 victim in this format with the white ball.
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What do you reckon? Just how big a blow is Josh Hazlewood missing out on 2026 tournament?
