Josh Hazlewood Injury Update: Steve Smith Replaces Pacer in Australia Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Amidst growing concerns, Australia have received Josh Hazlewood injury update ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. The ace pacer has been ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026.

Among several injured players, he suffered an Achilles injury that kept him out of the Ashes 2025. Initially, Australia were hopeful of getting Hazlewood’s services at some stage of the T20 World Cup 2026, and he continued his rehabilitation in Sydney.

Josh Hazlewood injury update: Steve Smith replaces Australia pacer

Steve Smith, who initially flew to Sri Lanka as a travelling reserve after Marsh’s injury, has replaced Josh Hazlewood in Australia’s squad. He will likely play against Sri Lanka in Kandy, which is a must-win game for Australia.

Smith last played a T20I in 2024 but showed tremendous form in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025/26. His ability to handle spin and manoeuvre the fields will be more than handy for Australia, who have not been at their best in the tournament so far.

A few reports suggested that the veteran batter looked sharp in the nets and had an extended session on the game eve. He will likely play the remaining games, as Australia look to get on track and keep the campaign alive.

Australia name Sean Abbott as travelling reserve

To cover for Josh Hazlewood’s absence, Australia had named Sean Abbott as their travelling reserve for the T20 World Cup 2026. This development comes because the 2021 champions want replacements ready should the need arise.

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Meanwhile, Nathan Ellis has travelled to Sri Lanka and linked up with Australia’s squad. He has regained his fitness after sustaining a hamstring injury in the recently concluded BBL 2025/26.

Australia will bank on spinners to do the heavy lifting now that Hazlewood is no longer available, especially in the initial phase. Those matches will be played in Sri Lanka, where spinners will play a greater role, and Australia can employ other pacers in the squad.

Updated Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

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