Australia suffered a significant blow to its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 hopes on February 6 as Josh Hazlewood was confirmed ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury. The fast bowler’s absence effectively ends the era of Australia’s renowned pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, a combination that has defined Australian bowling attack for more than a decade with the trio missing out in first mega event since 2011.
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Injury blow comes at crucial time
Hazlewood sustained a knee injury late in the domestic season and had been working on recovery in the lead-up to the World Cup. Following scans and medical assessment, Cricket Australia confirmed that he will not be fit in time for the T20 World Cup, ruling him out of all matches in the upcoming tournament beginning in India and Sri Lanka later this month. The decision was made in consultation with Australia’s medical and coaching staff, prioritising long-term fitness ahead of short-term participation.
The 33-year-old has battled niggles and fitness issues intermittently over recent seasons, including hamstring and lower-body complaints that have limited his availability in both international and franchise T20 cricket. While he returned strongly in the 2025–26 Australian summer, the timing of this setback has proved unfortunate and deprives the squad of one of its most consistent and dependable bowlers.
End of an era: No Cummins-Starc-Hazlewood trio
With Hazlewood unavailable, Australia will head into the World Cup without the celebrated pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, a unit that has been central to the side’s identity across formats since the early 2010s. Cummins was earlier ruled out due to injury, while Starc has retired from T20Is. Hazlewood’s absence formally closes this chapter of Australian cricket, sparking reflection on what has been a sustained period of fast-bowling excellence.
Hazlewood, Cummins and Starc have shouldered much of the bowling responsibility in recent years across Test, ODI and T20 formats, but the trio together were seen as Australia’s most potent attack, capable of winning matches on pace, accuracy and experience. Their combined presence in key fixtures, including World Cups and big Test tours, made them one of the most feared bowling units in world cricket.
No replacement announced
Australia’s bowling depth will be tested in Hazlewood’s absence, and selectors may look to promote promising seam talent to fill the void. They have not named any replacement as of now, and they will see how the tournament progresses before taking that call. For now, the likes of Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshius, Xavier Bartlett will have to take the onus of pace bowling attack.
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Broader implications for World Cup campaign
Hazlewood’s absence is not just a blow on paper; it reshapes Australia’s tactical approach in a format where bowling depth and control can be as decisive as batting firepower. The T20 World Cup’s compressed schedule and varied pitches across India and Sri Lanka will demand adaptability and a suite of bowling options. Australia’s batting remains formidable, but the bowling unit will be under pressure to deliver consistent breakthroughs without the reassurance of Hazlewood’s experience.
The loss of Hazlewood casts a shadow over preparations but also highlights the evolving nature of cricketing careers and team dynamics. For fans and players alike, the tournament will mark both a fresh challenge and a moment of transition for Australian cricket.
