Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has been dealt a significant blow, with fast bowler Nathan Ellis sustaining a hamstring injury that puts his participation in the upcoming global tournament in serious doubt.
According to a report by International Cricket Council (ICC), the Hobart Hurricanes captain suffered the setback during the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) and has consequently been ruled out for the remainder of the domestic competition, raising major concerns over his availability for the World Cup which commences on February 7.
Ellis”s fitness issue exacerbates a growing list of concerns for the Australian pace attack, as fellow fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are also currently managing their own fitness problems.
Hazlewood, who has not played for the national side since last November and missed the Ashes, is anticipated to regain full fitness before the international event. Cummins, meanwhile, is expected to rejoin the squad later in the tournament.
The absence of Ellis would be a considerable loss, as he has been a standout performer in the BBL, securing 14 wickets across nine matches with an economy rate of 9.03.
Australia is scheduled to face Pakistan in a three-match T20I series from January 29, which will serve as vital preparation for the global showpiece.
Ellis was already slated to be rested for the Pakistan series as part of a workload management strategy. He joins a group of key players, including Tim David, Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, and Cummins, who are all part of the provisional T20 World Cup squad and are either recovering from injuries or having their playing time carefully managed.