New Delhi, February 9: Australia is set to play its first match in the T20 World Cup 2026 against Ireland on February 11. However, injury concerns surrounding key players have emerged as a significant challenge for the team. Following Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood has also been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. Nathan Ellis has described Hazlewood’s absence as a “major loss” for the squad.
Nathan Ellis is currently the most experienced fast bowler in Australia’s lineup. He will need to lead the bowling attack alongside Ben Dwarshuis and Javier Bartlett. The team also includes Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis as fast-bowling all-rounders. No replacement bowler has been added to the squad for Hazlewood, although Sean Abbott remains part of the team as a reserve bowler.
Ellis stated, “When you lose a world-class bowler, things change. It’s unfortunate for our team that he isn’t playing. He has faced difficulties over the past few months. My job will be to adapt as much as possible, but yes, the absence of Josh Hazlewood will always be felt.”
Regarding bowling with Dwarshuis and Bartlett, Ellis mentioned, “We have played cricket together for 18 to 24 months, during which the big three players were not involved, and we had to shoulder more responsibility on the Test field. This has allowed us time to build connections and relationships both on and off the field. As a bowling unit, I truly believe we work very well together.”
Ellis added, “We all have different skill sets. We can blend together in various phases. The work we have done over the past 18 months has been beneficial, so it won’t be a new situation for us without those two big names.”
Ellis was referring to Hazlewood, as well as Stark and Cummins. Stark has retired from T20s, while Cummins and Hazlewood have been absent from T20 due to injuries and workload management.
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