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Hazlewood's T20 World Cup Race: Cummins Reveals Comeback Timeline

Australian pacer Pat Cummins has provided an update on teammate Josh Hazlewood's race to be fit for the T20 World Cup. Cummins revealed that Hazlewood, who is rehabilitating from an Achilles injury, is working intensely but is unlikely to be available for the start of the tournament. The fast bowler is aiming to return about halfway through the World Cup campaign. Hazlewood was a pivotal figure in Australia's 2021 T20 World Cup triumph and boasts an outstanding record in the format.

Key Points: Josh Hazlewood's T20 WC Comeback Plan, Says Pat Cummins

  • Hazlewood recovering from Achilles injury
  • Targeting mid-tournament return
  • Missed home Ashes series
  • Key to Australia's 2021 T20 WC win
  • Stellar T20 bowling record
2 min read

Hazlewood's trying his best to be in T20 WC about halfway through: Cummins

Pat Cummins updates on Josh Hazlewood's injury rehab, aiming for a mid-tournament return for Australia in the T20 World Cup.

"He's trying his best to be there about halfway through. - Pat Cummins"

New Delhi, Feb 3

As Australian fast-bowler Josh Hazlewood is racing the clock to feature in the T20 World Cup at some stage, fellow pacer Pat Cummins stated that the right-armer is trying his best to return "about halfway through" the tournament.

Hazlewood, who missed the home Ashes series due to an Achilles injury, has been working on his comeback to return at the T20 World Cup. Cricket Australia earlier revealed that the pacer would remain in Sydney for the start of the T20 World Cup as he continues his rehabilitation before travelling to Sri Lanka.

"I caught up with Joshy a couple of days ago and he's working so hard. I really feel for Joshy, he's had a few setbacks, (he's) one of the hardest trainers. He's doing everything he can. I don't think he will be there for the start of the tournament, but he's trying his best to be there about halfway through," Cummins said on Nine Network.

Australia are scheduled to play a warm-up match against the Netherlands on Thursday before opening their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 11.

Hazlewood has a formidable T20 record despite not playing a match in the format for nearly four years, from March 2016 to January 2020. He helped Australia to their only T20 World Cup title, in the UAE in 2021, taking 3 for 16 in the final against New Zealand.

He has taken 133 wickets at 20.44 with an economy rate of 7.57. Of the 75 quick bowlers to have sent down at least 2000 deliveries between January 2020 and the end of last year. His average is the second best (behind India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah) and his economy ranks him eighth.

In IPL 2025, he was the leading wicket-taker for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who won their maiden IPL crown.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
His stats are seriously impressive! Second best average after Bumrah bhai? That says a lot. 🏏 Wishing him a speedy recovery, but as an Indian fan, maybe it's better for us if he takes a little more time to get match-fit.
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Rohit P
Cummins is such a supportive teammate. This is the kind of team culture that makes Australia so strong. Our Indian team has great camaraderie too, but we can always learn from the best.
A
Ananya R
With the IPL mention, it just shows how crucial our league is for global player development and visibility. He was brilliant for RCB! Hope he's back on the field soon, healthy and strong.
D
David E
Respectfully, rushing back from an Achilles injury is a huge risk. Cricket Australia should prioritize his long-term career over one tournament, even a World Cup. Short-term gains aren't worth a long-term breakdown.
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Siddharth J
The article rightly points out his match-winning spell in the 2021 final. He's a big-match player. If Australia wants to defend the title, they'll need his experience in the knockouts. Fingers crossed for his recovery! 🤞

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