Steve Smith happy as Josh Hazlewood gets ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026

In a significant development, Australia have suffered a huge blow just days before the T20 World Cup 2026, with fast bowler Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the tournament. Steve Smith remains in contention and could still play for Australia in the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on Saturday, February 7.

Hazlewood has failed to recover in time for the 20-team tournament. He was named in the squad but stayed back in Sydney while the rest of the Australia squad gathered in Sri Lanka last week. Just five days before Australia’s opening match against Ireland in Colombo, the 35-year-old was ruled out of the event.

Josh Hazlewood’s Absence Deals Major Blow to Australia’s T20 World Cup Hopes

Josh Hazlewood’s absence is a major setback for Australia at the T20 World Cup. He was in top form during the IPL 2025 season, where he led his team’s bowling attack to the title and finished as the third-highest wicket-taker with 22 wickets.

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Australia will miss not only his wickets but also his experience and calmness in high-scoring games. With Hazlewood ruled out, Australia are left with limited pace options in Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, and Nathan Ellis.

Earlier in January, Australia also lost Pat Cummins for the T20 World Cup 2026. The fast bowler withdrew due to a long-standing back injury that began after Australia’s tour of the West Indies last year.

Steve Smith to Be Roped in as Josh Hazlewood's Replacement?

Steve Smith remains in contention for the T20 World Cup after Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the tournament. On Friday, Australia’s national selector, Tony Dodemaide, said that Australia will not rush to name a replacement for Hazlewood.

Dodemaide stated that the squad has enough depth for the opening matches and that any further decisions will be taken later, based on the team’s needs at the time.

“We will not be naming a replacement player immediately. We feel we are well covered for the initial games and will make any later decisions based on priority need at the time.”

Australia Set to Open T20 World Cup Campaign Against Ireland on February 11

Steve Smith smashed his fourth BBL century for the Sydney Sixers against the Sydney Thunder and followed it up with a half-century against the Brisbane Heat in a must-win game at the Gabba in Brisbane.

In this year’s BBL, Smith scored 299 runs in just six matches at an average of 59 and a strike rate of 167, placing him among the top performers in the tournament.

However, Smith remains on standby for a return to Australia’s T20I side. He last played a T20I in February 2024 and has not featured in the format since then, even though former players have backed his recall.

Australia, the 2021 champions, are placed in Group B for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The Mitchell Marsh-led side will begin their campaign against Ireland on February 11 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

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