Australia have added one to their squad ahead of the T20 World Cup, naming paceman Sean Abbott as a traveling reserve, while Josh Hazlewood is set to miss the opening stages of the tournament through injury.
Hazlewood will remain in Sydney as he continues his rehabilitation from an Achilles problem.
The fast bowler has managed several setbacks in recent months, first suffering from a hamstring strain that ruled him out of the start of the England series, then aggravating his Achilles during recovery.
Meanwhile, Abbott has been included as a fast bowler and will travel with the team to Sri Lanka.
Australia’s selectors and medical staff have opted for a cautious approach with Hazlewood, with no firm timetable set for his arrival in Colombo.
“We felt with Josh that it would be more practical and beneficial for him to continue his rehabilitation at home in a familiar environment before going to Sri Lanka,” Dodemaide said. “Following Nathan’s return to action, we decided to bring Sean with us as a fast bowler in case something came up at short notice.
“Sean is a talented and versatile international who has enjoyed multiple World Cup campaigns. It made sense to have him with the team following the Pakistan tour.”
Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Ellis and Tim Davids are set to join the team in Colombo on Tuesday after missing Australia’s recent tour of Pakistan.
The team will play a warm-up match against the Netherlands on Thursday before kicking off their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 11.
Australia’s injury concerns continue to mount, with Pat Cummins already ruled out of the tournament as he needs extra time to recover from a back injury that sidelined him for four of the five Tests against England.
Ben Twarshuis was included in the final 15-man squad, while Matthew Short was dropped and replaced by Matt Renshaw.
Ellis missed both of Hobart Hurricanes’ PPL finals with a sore hamstring, while David has not played since December 26 after suffering a second hamstring injury in eight months.
Maxwell retired from the Pakistan tour as part of the management of his previously broken ankle.
Adam Jamba bowled just two overs in the three-match series finale against Pakistan in Lahore and did not bat due to groin tightness, although Cricket Australia cautioned against the move.
Australia squad for 2026 T20 World Cup
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhneman, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa
Travel Balance: Sean Abbott