Australia’s preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup has suffered significant setbacks with two premier fast bowlers facing extended injury recoveries. According to national team captain Pat Cummins, pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood remains unlikely to feature until approximately the tournament’s midway point due to persistent hamstring and Achilles concerns.
Hazlewood, widely regarded as Australia’s most impactful bowler in the format, has been sidelined since missing the entire five-match Ashes series against England. His rehabilitation has encountered multiple complications despite intensive training efforts. Cummins, himself recovering from lumbar bone stress fractures that limited his Ashes participation to just one Test, expressed sympathy for his teammate’s challenging recovery journey.
The injury crisis extends beyond Hazlewood, with Mitchell Starc having retired from T20 internationals and Cummins ruled out of World Cup selection entirely. These absences leave Australia’s bowling attack substantially weakened ahead of the global tournament scheduled from February 7 to March 8.
Australia’s recent form provides additional concern, having suffered a comprehensive 3-0 series whitewash against Pakistan that included a devastating 111-run defeat. Cummins acknowledged the disappointing performance, noting that late player arrivals following domestic Big Bash League commitments may have contributed to the suboptimal preparations.
While coach Andrew McDonald had previously expressed optimism about Hazlewood’s availability for Australia’s February 11 opener against Ireland, Cummins’ assessment presents a more cautious timeline. The captain indicated his own recovery remains on track for a return within weeks, potentially positioning him for leadership duties with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League commencing March 26.