The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Australia team lost to their first round opponents which created feelings of disappointment and rage among their supporters. The frustration grew as injured pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are likely to regain fitness for the upcoming IPL despite missing the global tournament. The Australian selectors explained that the problem existed because of timing issues. Their evaluation process will take place after the team returns to their home country. The absence of experienced bowlers Cummins and Hazlewood hurt the 2021 T20 World Cup champions badly. The problem receives clear explanation through this one basic statistic. Australia achieved four total wickets during their losses to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka because all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green took all four wickets. Hazlewood established himself as an essential component of Australia which was building its T20 bowling lineup through his performances. He sustained Achilles and calf injuries after his initial hamstring injury which he suffered in November. Cummins has not participated in any cricket matches since he played his last game during the third Ashes Test which took place in mid-December. The team initially rested him to manage a back stress issue with the T20 World Cup in mind, but selectors later withdrew him from the original squad. Also Read | Sahibzada Farhan Scores Century Against Namibia, Becomes Second Pakistan Batter to Hit T20 World Cup Ton The two fast bowlers have only played one match together during the past three months, but they will probably be ready for the IPL unless they experience new injuries. Selector Tony Dodemaide held a press conference on Wednesday to explain the ongoing dispute. He explained that players made their choice between national duty and IPL obligations. The selector said: "It is what it is. It's a timing issue. If it was in reverse, the IPL was first and the World Cup was second, then they'd be missing the IPL to play in the World Cup. It's not going to be frustrating for us at all. We know their commitment to want to play and succeed for Australia." He explained Steve Smith's role in the T20I team structure. Smith joined the team as a backup player for Mitchell Marsh before officially taking Hazlewood's spot in the team. However, he did not get an opportunity to play.