In a blow to Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 aspirations, star pacers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins have been sidelined by injuries ahead of the February 11 clash with Ireland. Yet, spearhead Nathan Ellis insists the team is equipped to perform even better without them.
As the senior fast bowler in the squad, Ellis will spearhead the attack with Ben Dwarshuis and Xavier Bartlett. All-rounders Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis add firepower, while Sean Abbott lurks as a reserve option. No like-for-like replacement fills Hazlewood’s void.
Ellis didn’t mince words on the impact: ‘Losing a world-class operator like Josh alters everything. It’s been a rough patch for him lately; he just couldn’t rise to it. I’ll mold myself to the situation, but yeah, his gap lingers.’
Praising his bowling mates, Ellis noted their battle-tested camaraderie. ‘Over 18-24 months, sans the elite trio who were Test-focused, we shouldered more. That forged bonds inside and outside the ropes. We operate seamlessly as a unit.’
Diversity is their strength, he added. ‘Unique skills let us blend in any phase. Eighteen months of groundwork ensures those two giants’ absence isn’t uncharted territory.’ With Starc retired from T20s and workload issues benching Cummins and Hazlewood, Ellis exudes belief.
This scenario underscores Australia’s bench strength. Ellis’s leadership could turn adversity into advantage, propelling the Baggy Greens deep into the tournament with a revamped, hungry attack.