Is Hazlewood Making Progress for a T20 WC Comeback?
Synopsis
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is making every effort to feature in the T20 World Cup, despite significant setbacks. His teammate Pat Cummins highlights Hazlewood's hard work and determination. Can he make it in time to support Australia in their campaign?
Key Takeaways
Josh Hazlewood is striving to return for the T20 World Cup.
He is currently in Sydney for rehabilitation.
Hazlewood has a significant track record in T20 cricket.
Australia's first match is against Ireland on February 11.
He played a key role in Australia's T20 World Cup victory in 2021.
New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) As Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood races against time to participate in the T20 World Cup, fellow pacer Pat Cummins revealed that the right-arm bowler is doing everything possible to return "about halfway through" the tournament.
Hazlewood, who was sidelined during the home Ashes series due to an Achilles injury, is diligently working on his rehabilitation to ensure he can play in the T20 World Cup. Cricket Australia has indicated that he will remain in Sydney at the start of the tournament as he continues his recovery before heading to Sri Lanka.
"I spoke with Josh a couple of days ago, and he’s putting in tremendous effort. I genuinely feel for him; he has encountered several setbacks and is one of the hardest workers. He’s doing everything possible. While I don't expect him to be present at the tournament's start, he is striving to join around the halfway point," Cummins shared on the Nine Network.
Australia is set to play a warm-up match against the Netherlands on Thursday, before launching their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 11.
Despite not participating in T20 matches for nearly four years (from March 2016 to January 2020), Hazlewood maintains an impressive T20 record. He played a pivotal role in guiding Australia to their inaugural T20 World Cup title in the UAE in 2021, recording figures of 3 for 16 in the final against New Zealand.
Hazlewood has claimed 133 wickets at an average of 20.44 and an economy rate of 7.57. Among 75 fast bowlers who bowled at least 2000 deliveries from January 2020 to the end of last year, his average is the second best, trailing only Jasprit Bumrah from India, with his economy placing him eighth.
In the IPL 2025, he emerged as the leading wicket-taker for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who secured their first IPL title.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the resilience of athletes like Josh Hazlewood. His determination to recover from injury showcases the spirit of sportsmanship. While the T20 World Cup is a competitive arena, the focus on Hazlewood's well-being and commitment to his team should resonate with fans and aspiring athletes alike. We stand with Australia in supporting Hazlewood’s journey.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury has Josh Hazlewood sustained?
Josh Hazlewood is recovering from an Achilles injury that caused him to miss the home Ashes series.
When is the T20 World Cup scheduled to start?
The T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 11, with Australia playing their first match against Ireland.
What is Hazlewood's T20 record?
Josh Hazlewood has taken 133 wickets in T20 matches at an average of 20.44 and an economy rate of 7.57.
How did Hazlewood perform in the last T20 World Cup?
In the last T20 World Cup final against New Zealand, Hazlewood took 3 wickets for 16 runs, helping Australia secure the title.
What team did Hazlewood play for in IPL 2025?
In IPL 2025, Josh Hazlewood was the leading wicket-taker for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
