- By Gurmeet Batra
- Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:39 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
T20 World Cup: Australia's national selector Tony Dodemaide confirmed that fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the initial T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka as he continues his rehabilitation from a recent injury.
Dodemaide also stated that Hazlewood won't travel with the squad, with his comeback to action conditional on progress in his recovery.
Nathan Ellis, Tim David, and Glenn Maxwell have arrived in Colombo and are set to join the Australian squad on Tuesday, ahead of the T20 World Cup, according to national selector Tony Dodemaide.
Australia will participate in their four preliminary games in Colombo and Pallekele, starting February 11 against Ireland.
Hazlewood will stay in Australia to focus on his rehabilitation as the Aussies begin their T20 World Cup campaign on February 7. Meanwhile, Sean Abbott has linked up with the touring party as a reserve, providing cover for the squad in Sri Lanka.
"Nathan, Tim and Glenn have arrived in Colombo and we look forward to meeting up with them when we arrive from Pakistan. 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 said.
Hazlewood's ongoing struggles with injury continued as he was sidelined for the upcoming Ashes series due to a lingering Achilles injury that occurred during his rehabilitation from a previous hamstring strain.
Last week, Australian pacer Pat Cummins was ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to a persistent back injury, and left-arm fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis was named as his replacement.
"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," Dodemaide said.
"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," he added.