Australia’s preparation for the T20 World Cup has gone from bad to worse with premier paceman Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the tournament less than a week out from their opener.
Hazlewood has been battling a hamstring injury picked up in the Sheffield Shield in Novemeber which scuppered his Ashes hopes but remained in the World Cup squad despite selectors admitting he would miss the start of the tournament.
However, five days out from their opening match against Ireland, national selector Tony Dodemaide has said it would be too much of a risk to rush him back.
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“We were hopeful Josh would be back to match fitness by the Super Eights stage, but the latest indications are he is still some time away,” Dodemaide said. “Trying to accelerate his program will carry too much of a risk.
“We will not be naming a replacement player immediately. We feel we are well covered for the initial games so will make any later decisions based on priority need at the time.”
It’s a massive blow to an already weakened Australian attack after Pat Cummins was ruled out of the tournament last week.
It means it will be the first time since 2011 that Australia have gone to a World Cup without at least one of Hazlewood, Cummins or Mitchell Starc in the squad after the latter retired from the format.
Sean Abbott who was the travelling reserve in the squad looms as the most likely replacement.
It continues a disastrous lead into the tournament for the Aussies, who were embarrassed in a comprehensive 3-0 whitewash T20 series loss to Pakistan while their warm-up game against the Netherlands was washed out.
