Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood may not return to action until half time of the T20 World Cup, injured teammate Pat Cummins said on Tuesday (February 3, 2026). Hazlewood, arguably the team’s most important bowler, has been struggling with hamstring and Achilles injuries and has missed the entire five-Test Ashes series against England.

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald said in mid-January that Hazlewood was on track to be fit for the team’s World Cup opener against Ireland on 11 February, but Cummins’ update was less optimistic. “I met Joshi a few days ago and he’s been working very hard.

I really feel for Joshi, he’s had a few setbacks, (he’s) one of the toughest trainers,” Cummins told Australian broadcaster Nine Network. “He’s doing everything he can.

I don’t think he’ll be there at the beginning of the tournament, but he’s trying his best to be there for about half the time. ” With Mitchell Starc retiring from the format and Cummins ruled out due to back problems, Australia are in poor form after a 111-run defeat to Pakistan in the World Cup from February 7 to March 8, leading to a 3-0 series whitewash. Cummins said the players’ late arrival in Pakistan after the domestic Big Bash League did not help.

“It wasn’t the series we were expecting,” he said, “It’s always better when you’re winning, but they ended it very quickly. ” Cummins, who played only one Ashes Test due to a lumbar strain, said he is running out of time to be fit for the World Cup squad.

“We wanted to give the back a little rest to make sure it was right for the big rest of the year,” he said. “Minor setback, I’ll be good to go in a few weeks.

” Cummins is expected to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League starting on March 26.