Hazlewood’s Availability and Rehabilitation
Tekkabuzz999 Dodemaide did not reveal the exact timeline for when Josh Hazlewood would be available for the tournament. The Australian fast bowler will not travel with the squad for the early part of its T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, as he continues his rehabilitation in Sydney after recovering from an injury. Hazlewood will remain at home during the early stages of the tournament, which begins on February 7, to continue his return-to-play programme.
Squad Arrivals and Team Updates
Nathan Ellis, Tim David, and Glenn Maxwell have arrived in Colombo and are set to join the Australian squad on Tuesday for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. National selector Tony Dodemaide confirmed their arrival and said the team is looking forward to regrouping when the rest of the squad arrives from Pakistan. Sean Abbott has joined the touring party as a travelling reserve.
Tournament Schedule and Selection Decisions
Australia will play its four preliminary matches in Colombo and Pallekele, starting on February 11 against Ireland. Dodemaide explained that it was more practical and beneficial for Hazlewood to continue his rehabilitation in a familiar environment before travelling. Hazlewood had previously been ruled out of the 2025–26 Ashes series due to a lingering Achilles injury sustained during rehabilitation from a hamstring strain.
