Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign ended earlier than expected and many fans were left wondering how different things might have been with their two premier fast bowlers in the squad. Now, Cricket Australia selector Tony Dodemaide has addressed the situation involving Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
Tony Dodemaide explained that the scheduling played a major role. Since the Indian Premier League comes after the T20 World Cup this year, the two bowlers missed the global tournament but could be available for the IPL 2026 if they regain full fitness. He made it clear that if the schedule had been reversed, they would have skipped the IPL to represent Australia at the World Cup. According to him, it was purely a matter of timing, not a question of commitment.
Australia will conduct a detailed review of their group-stage exit once the team returns home. The absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood was seen as a huge setback just before the tournament began.
Josh Hazlewood is currently dealing with Achilles and calf injuries, along with lingering effects of a hamstring issue suffered three months ago. Pat Cummins, on the other hand, has not played since the third Ashes Test in mid-December, where he took six wickets across two innings to help Australia complete a 3-0 series sweep. He had initially been rested to manage a lumbar stress concern in his back but was later ruled out of the World Cup squad.
Tony Dodemaide also said that there was no frustration within the camp and stressed that both the players remain fully committed to playing and succeeding for Australia.
