Management did not take risk

Australian selector Tony Dodem made it clear that accelerating Hazlewood’s rehabilitation program could have been too risky. He said that the team management was hopeful that Josh would be match fit till Super-8, but considering the current indications, it would not be right to recall him. Australia has not yet announced the name of any replacement and they will take a decision later depending on the circumstances of the tournament.

Cummins and Hazlewood will be missed

This is a double blow for Australia as the team is already entering this tournament without Pat Cummins. Test and ODI captain Cummins is suffering from a back injury and has been away from international cricket for the last several months. Hazlewood has also not played a competitive match since the series against India in October 2025. In the absence of these two giants, the Australian bowling attack looks very weak.

Hopes pinned on Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa

Amidst the spate of injuries, there has also been some positive news. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis and aggressive batsman Tim David are likely to be fit till the group stage. At the same time, main spinner Adam Zampa will be available for the first match against Ireland in Colombo next week. Australia captain Mitchell Marsh, while emphasizing diversity in bowling, also described the role of spin all-rounders along with Matthew Kuhneman and Adam Zampa as important.

Australia’s World Cup schedule

Australia’s practice matches have been affected by rain, but the team has six days to prepare before their first match against Ireland. Australia have been one of the most consistent performing teams in the world over the last 18 months and they will take to the field with the same confidence. However, Australia recently had to face 3-0 defeat in the T20 series against Pakistan. In such a situation, his team would like to forget this defeat and come on the field.