Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood may not return to play until the middle of the T20 World Cup, according to his teammate Pat Cummins. The update came on Tuesday (February 3, 2026), raising concerns for the Australian team ahead of the tournament.
Hazlewood, who is considered one of Australia’s most important bowlers, has been dealing with hamstring and Achilles injuries for some time. Because of these problems, he was unable to play in the entire five-Test Ashes series against England.
Cummins said the team is being careful with Hazlewood’s recovery to make sure he returns fully fit. The management does not want to rush him back too soon, as it could make the injury worse.
Hazlewood’s absence could be a big loss for Australia, as he is known for his accuracy, pace, and ability to take early wickets. He has played a key role in many of the team’s victories in both Test and limited-overs cricket.
If he is only available halfway through the tournament, Australia may have to depend on other bowlers to step up during the early matches. The team will hope that Hazlewood recovers quickly and can contribute during the later and more crucial stages of the competition.