Josh Hazlewood will miss the start of the T20 World Cup, dealing Australia another injury setback ahead of the tournament.

The 35-year-old, who missed the entire Ashes series against England and has not played any cricket since November, will remain in Sydney to continue his recovery from hamstring and Achilles injuries.

Sean Abbott has been called up as a travelling reserve.

“We felt with Josh it was more practical and beneficial for him to continue his rehabilitation at home in a familiar environment before travelling to Sri Lanka,” selector Tony Dodemaide said in a statement late on Monday.

AFRICA PICKS: History of the T20 World Cup

No timeframe for his return was given.

“Sean is an accomplished and versatile international player who has experienced numerous World Cup campaigns. It made sense for him to stay with the group following the Pakistan tour,” added Dodemaide.

Australia head to the World Cup in disarray after being thumped 3-0 by Pakistan in a warm-up series and are winless from their past five T20Is.

Adding to their woes, star paceman Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the entire tournament in India and Sri Lanka beginning on Saturday.

Test skipper Cummins was hoping to be fit as he slowly recovers from a lower back injury, but ran out of time with Ben Dwarshuis replacing him.

Fast bowler Nathan Ellis along with big-hitters Glenn Maxwell and Tim David are due to join the touring party on Tuesday after missing the Pakistan series.

Australia’s matches in Group B will all be played in Sri Lanka.

They open against Ireland in Colombo on 11 February and will also face the co-hosts Sri Lanka, Oman and Zimbabwe.

– AFP

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