Aussie star ruled out of T20 World Cup in devastating injury blow

Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup, unable to overcome his injury suffered before the Ashes.

Hazlewood suffered a hamstring injury in November while playing in the Sheffield Shield on November 12 which subsequently ruled him out of the entire Ashes series.

The Aussie paceman had planned to make his return for the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India, but just five days before the opening match, the quick has been ruled out.

It marks the first time Australia will go into a World Cup without one of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, or Mitchell Starc since 2011.

Cummins failed to overcome his back injury in time, while Starc retired to prioritise longer forms of the game.

National selector Tony Dodemaide revealed Australia was hopeful Hazlewood would return by the finals of the tournament, but he wouldn't make it in time.

"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," 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."

Ben Dwarshius, Xavier Bartlett are the only two fit fast bowlers in the squad, while Sean Abbott is a travelling reserve in the squad, but not yet officially in the team.

Nathan Ellis is hopeful to return but it seems unlikely he will recover in time for the tournament opener.

Australia’s practice match against the Netherlands was abandoned last night but still has a six-day preparation window before the first pool game against Ireland.

Australia's first game is against Ireland on February 11.

Australia squad: Mitch Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserve: Sean Abbott