Australia have been dealt a blow just days before the start of the T20 World Cup, with Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the tournament through injury.

Hazlewood has not featured for Australia since November 12 but was named in the World Cup squad with the hopes he would be fit to play in the tournament.

He was initially out of action with a hamstring strain before subsequently suffering Achilles soreness during his rehabilitation.

Last month, he said everything was "going to plan" in his recovery, but he remained in Sydney while the rest of the group arrived in Sri Lanka this week.

And now, with only five days to go before Australia's opening match against Ireland in Colombo, it has been confirmed that Hazlewood will not be able to feature.

"We were hopeful Josh would be back to match fitness by the Super Eights stage, but the latest indications (are) he is still some time away," selector Tony Dodemaide said.

"Trying to accelerate his program will carry too much of a risk.

"We will not be naming a replacement player immediately. We feel we are well covered for the initial games, so will make any later decisions based on priority need at the time."

Josh Hazlewood will not feature at this year's #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/OpxhFHJznk

— Aussie Men's Cricket Team (@ausmencricket) February 6, 2026

Hazlewood is sidelined alongside Pat Cummins, leaving Australia light on pace to begin the tournament, while Nathan Ellis remains a doubt for the opener on February 11 as he continues his return from a hamstring injury.

Tim David is also on track to return to fitness during the group stage, while Adam Zampa has been cleared for the Ireland match.

"We've been able to build a lot of depth within our squad, and the guys that have come in have played a lot of cricket for our group," captain Mitchell Marsh said.

"So, we've got a lot of confidence in them to go out there and do the job when required, and then we'll just pick teams based on the conditions.

"Matthew Kuhnemann has been great for us. We've also got Adam Zampa, and then we've got a few spinning all-rounders, like most teams will. So, I think we've got all bases covered, and now it's just about getting stuck into it."