Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood's T20 World Cup woes continue as the 35-year-old is set to miss the first half of the tournament due to ongoing injury issues. Hazlewood, who has been struggling with a hamstring strain and Achilles injury since mid-November, has not played for Australia since then.
Head coach Andrew McDonald had initially predicted that Hazlewood would be fit for the start of the tournament but now expects him to feature only midway through. Team-mate Pat Cummins, who is also out of the T20 World Cup due to a back injury, believes Hazlewood will not make it for the opening matches.
Hazlewood's absence is a significant blow to Australia's bowling attack. The 79-wicket-taker has been a crucial member of the team and his experience and skillset are invaluable in the shortest format of the game.
The news comes as a relief to fellow squad members who had expressed concerns about Hazlewood's fitness ahead of the tournament. "I caught up with Josh a couple of days ago and he's working so hard," Cummins said, revealing that Hazlewood is trying his best to be fit for the start of the tournament.
However, Hazlewood will not be joining the squad in Sri Lanka as he will remain in Sydney, continuing his rehabilitation at home. It appears that Tony Dodemaide, the Australian selector, has deemed it more practical and beneficial for Hazlewood to continue rehabilitating at home rather than traveling to Sri Lanka.
This news is a worrying sign for Australia's T20 World Cup prospects but Hazlewood will hope to make a comeback in time for the Super 8s. The squad is set to face Ireland on February 11 before facing the Netherlands in a warm-up match on Thursday.
Head coach Andrew McDonald had initially predicted that Hazlewood would be fit for the start of the tournament but now expects him to feature only midway through. Team-mate Pat Cummins, who is also out of the T20 World Cup due to a back injury, believes Hazlewood will not make it for the opening matches.
Hazlewood's absence is a significant blow to Australia's bowling attack. The 79-wicket-taker has been a crucial member of the team and his experience and skillset are invaluable in the shortest format of the game.
The news comes as a relief to fellow squad members who had expressed concerns about Hazlewood's fitness ahead of the tournament. "I caught up with Josh a couple of days ago and he's working so hard," Cummins said, revealing that Hazlewood is trying his best to be fit for the start of the tournament.
However, Hazlewood will not be joining the squad in Sri Lanka as he will remain in Sydney, continuing his rehabilitation at home. It appears that Tony Dodemaide, the Australian selector, has deemed it more practical and beneficial for Hazlewood to continue rehabilitating at home rather than traveling to Sri Lanka.
This news is a worrying sign for Australia's T20 World Cup prospects but Hazlewood will hope to make a comeback in time for the Super 8s. The squad is set to face Ireland on February 11 before facing the Netherlands in a warm-up match on Thursday.
oh man, this just ain't good news for the Aussie T20 team! Josh Hazlewood's injury woes are just getting worse and I'm really worried about their bowling attack 
. He's been such a crucial player and his experience is super valuable in the shortest format of the game. Hopefully he can get back to fitness soon, but it seems like they're gonna have to be patient with him 
. It's also kinda harsh that he's gotta stay behind in Sydney while the team heads off to Sri Lanka, I feel bad for Pat Cummins too 
. Fingers crossed they can make a comeback in time for the Super 8s though!
, that's so frustrating for Aussie fans! Losing a key player like Josh Hazlewood at this stage of the tournament is a huge blow 
hopefully he can get back in shape soon so they can make a deep run in the tournament 
but for now, australia's bowling attack is looking pretty weak without him 
josh hazlewood's injury woes are really piling up and it's gonna be tough for them without their key bowler. his absence is gonna put a lot of pressure on the other guys to step up and perform under pressure. pat cummins' comments that hazlewood might not make it for the opening matches makes me think they're in trouble 
still, fingers crossed he can come back strong by the super 8s 