Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood will not accompany the squad for the initial T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka as he continues his rehabilitation from an injury in Sydney, announced national selector
Tony Dodemaide on Monday.
Nathan Ellis, Tim David, and Glenn Maxwell, however, have arrived in Colombo and will join the Australian squad on Tuesday for the upcoming ICC T20 showpiece, according to Dodemaide.
Australia is set to play their four preliminary games in Colombo and Pallekele, starting February 11 against Ireland.
Hazlewood will remain in Sydney during the early part of the tournament, which begins on February 7, to continue his return-to-play program. Sean Abbott has been added to the touring party as a travelling reserve.
Dodemaide commented, “Nathan, Tim, and Glenn have arrived in Colombo, and we look forward to meeting them when we arrive from Pakistan. We felt it was more practical for Josh to continue his rehabilitation in a familiar environment before traveling to Sri Lanka.”
Hazlewood was previously ruled out of the 2025-26 Ashes series due to a lingering Achilles injury that arose during his recovery from a hamstring strain.
Dodemaide did not specify when Hazlewood would be available for the tournament. Australia’s preliminary matches conclude on February 20, with their other group rivals being Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.
Last week, experienced pacer Pat Cummins was ruled out of the entire tournament due to a persistent back injury. He has been replaced in the 15-man squad by Ben Dwarshuis.
Dodemaide stated that Abbott is there as a backup for Ellis. “With Nathan also completing his return to play, we decided to bring Sean as fast bowling cover should anything arise at short notice. 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.”
The T20 World Cup will be held at venues across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
