Hazlewood Aims to Join T20 World Cup Squad Mid-Tournament
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood targets a comeback midway through T20 World Cup after Achilles injury.
Australian fast-bowler Josh Hazlewood is making a determined push to feature in the T20 World Cup, with fellow pacer Pat Cummins stating that Hazlewood is aiming to return “about halfway through” the tournament. The right-armer missed the home Ashes series due to an Achilles injury and has been focused on rehabilitation in Sydney before joining the squad in Sri Lanka.
Cummins, speaking on Nine Network, praised Hazlewood’s work ethic and dedication. “I caught up with Joshy a couple of days ago, and he’s working so hard. He’s had a few setbacks, but he’s one of the hardest trainers. He’s doing everything he can,” Cummins said. “I don’t think he will be there for the start, but he’s trying his best to be there about halfway through.”
Australia are scheduled to play a warm-up match against the Netherlands on Thursday, followed by their opening World Cup match against Ireland on February 11. Hazlewood’s return could bolster Australia’s pace attack in the latter half of the tournament as they aim to defend their T20 crown.
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Despite nearly four years without T20 action, Hazlewood boasts an impressive record in the format. He played a key role in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup triumph in the UAE, taking 3 wickets for 16 runs in the final against New Zealand. His career T20 statistics include 133 wickets at an average of 20.44 and an economy rate of 7.57.
Hazlewood’s consistent form in white-ball cricket further underscores his value. Among fast bowlers who delivered at least 2,000 balls between 2020 and 2025, he ranks second in average behind India’s Jasprit Bumrah and eighth in economy rate. His IPL 2025 season was equally remarkable, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden IPL title as the top wicket-taker.
If Hazlewood returns as planned, Australia’s pace attack will gain a significant boost midway through the T20 World Cup, enhancing their chances of lifting a second trophy in the shortest format.
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