Josh Hazlewood to Miss Early T20 World Cup Matches, Continues Rehabilitation in Sydney
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will not travel with the national squad for the early part of the T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, as he continues his rehabilitation program following a recent injury. National selector Tony Dodemaide made this announcement on Monday, highlighting the strategic decision to prioritize Hazlewood's recovery in a familiar environment.
Key Players Arrive in Colombo as Hazlewood Stays Back
While Hazlewood remains in Sydney, the trio of Nathan Ellis, Tim David, and Glenn Maxwell have already reached Colombo. They are set to join the Australian squad on Tuesday ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Australia's preliminary matches will be held in Colombo and Pallekele, commencing with a game against Ireland on February 11.
Hazlewood's rehabilitation is focused on ensuring he returns to peak fitness, with the bowler ruled out of the 2025-26 Ashes series due to a lingering Achilles injury. This setback occurred during his recovery from a previous hamstring strain, underscoring the need for careful management.
Strategic Decisions and Squad Adjustments
Dodemaide explained that it was more practical and beneficial for Hazlewood to continue his rehabilitation at home before traveling to Sri Lanka. "We felt with Josh it was more practical and beneficial for him to continue his rehabilitation at home in a familiar environment before travelling to Sri Lanka," Dodemaide stated.
In Hazlewood's absence, Sean Abbott has joined the touring party as a traveling reserve. Dodemaide noted that Abbott is there as backup for Nathan Ellis, who is also completing his return-to-play program. "With Nathan also completing his return to play we decided to bring Sean with us as fast bowling cover should anything come up at short notice," he added.
Tournament Context and Team Dynamics
The T20 World Cup, scheduled from February 7 to March 8, will be hosted across venues in India and Sri Lanka. Australia's preliminary engagements will conclude on February 20, with other group rivals including Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.
Dodemaide did not specify when exactly Hazlewood would be available for the tournament, leaving his participation timeline uncertain. This news follows last week's announcement that seasoned pacer Pat Cummins was ruled out of the entire tournament due to a persistent back injury, with Ben Dwarshuis replacing him in the 15-man squad.
Sean Abbott's role is seen as crucial, given his experience and versatility. Dodemaide emphasized, "Sean is an accomplished and versatile international player who has experienced numerous World Cup campaigns. It made sense for him to stay with the group following the Pakistan tour."
As Australia prepares for the T20 World Cup, the team's management is balancing immediate needs with long-term player health, ensuring a competitive edge while safeguarding key assets like Hazlewood for potential later stages of the tournament.
