3 Australian players to watch out for in T20 World Cup 2026

1. Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood’s value in T20 cricket stems from control, precision, and tactical clarity rather than raw pace. At a time when most fast bowlers rely heavily on yorkers, slower-ball variations, and matchup-driven plans, Hazlewood has redefined effectiveness by consistently attacking batters with traditional Test-match lengths. His ability to hit hard lengths with unwavering accuracy, particularly in the powerplay, prevents batters from settling and forces them into low-percentage strokes against the new ball.

That discipline extends seamlessly into the middle and death overs, where Hazlewood’s subtle changes of pace and dependable blockhole execution make him a reliable option under pressure. His experience across major global tournaments allows him to read conditions quickly and adapt his plans accordingly. The numbers underline his impact: in 59 T20Is, Hazlewood has claimed 79 wickets at an economy rate of just 7.47, while since 2022 he has taken 45 wickets in 36 matches at an even more impressive economy of 7.12.

His influence was particularly evident in last year’s IPL, where he emerged as one of the standout bowlers of the season and a go-to option across all phases, striking early in the powerplay, applying the brakes in the middle overs, breaking partnerships, and delivering under pressure at the death.