Australia’s bid to win the T20 World Cup has hit another roadblock with paceman Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the tournament.
Less than a week after Pat Cummins was pulled from Australia’s squad, selectors have had to make another significant change to their attack, replacing Hazlewood, who Cricket Australia say has not fully recovered from an Achilles injury.
Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup.Credit: Getty Images
Selectors have not named an immediate replacement for Hazlewood, content to effectively run a player short with matches against Ireland, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Oman in the initial phase of the event. Sydney Sixers paceman Sean Abbott is with the team as a travelling reserve.
The last-minute withdrawal of Hazlewood marks a generational change for the national men’s team. Not since the 2009 Champions Trophy has Australia entered an ICC event without the fabled five of Steve Smith, David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood, who have been integral to the team’s success in all formats of the game.
Hazlewood’s latest injury continues a wretched run for the veteran fast bowler, who missed the entire Ashes series with hamstring and Achilles tendon issues.
Australia named Hazlewood in their initial squad in the belief he would be available for the latter stages of the tournament, but he has not progressed as hoped.
Though he was better suited in the longer formats early in his career, Hazlewood’s T20 bowling improved significantly in recent years through his involvement in the lucrative Indian Premier League.
His absence leaves captain Mitch Marsh with a severely weakened attack in Australia’s bid to win a second global T20 title. Hazlewood was in red-hot form in the bilateral T20 series against South Africa, New Zealand and India leading into the home summer.
“We were hopeful Josh would be back to match fitness by the Super 8 stage but the latest indications [are] he is still some time away and accelerating his program will carry too much risk,” selector Tony Dodemaide said.
“We will not be naming a replacement player immediately. We feel we are well covered for the initial games so will make any later decisions based on priority need at the time.”
There is also doubt if white-ball specialist and death overs expert Nathan Ellis and T20 blaster Tim David will be ready for the first game against Ireland on Wednesday. Cricket Australia said the pair were “on track to be available for the group stage”, while leg-spinner Adam Zampa “will be available” to start the tournament.
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