Australia’s injury concerns continue to grow ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with pacer Nathan Ellis becoming the latest casualty. Ellis has suffered a hamstring injury, adding to the fitness worries surrounding senior bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

The 31-year-old right-arm pacer, who recently captained the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26, missed the Knockout clash against Melbourne Stars and was also ruled out of the Challenger against Sydney Sixers. Ellis sustained the injury during the Hurricanes’ match against Brisbane Heat, though specific details were initially unclear.

Confirming the setback, the franchise said in a statement on Friday: “Hobart Hurricanes can confirm that skipper Nathan Ellis will miss the remainder of the BBL season and the BBL15 finals due to hamstring tightness. Ellis, who missed the Knockout on Wednesday night, was aiming to return for the final two matches of the BBL finals but was unfortunately unable to overcome the injury.”

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In Ellis’ absence, Ben McDermott led the Hurricanes in the Challenger. However, Ellis’ injury further compounds Australia’s concerns, with captain Pat Cummins currently recovering from a lumbar stress injury and Josh Hazlewood also sidelined with a hamstring issue.

Australia will hope for timely recoveries as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026, where they have been placed in Group B alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman. Led by Mitchell Marsh, the defending champions will begin their campaign against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo, followed by matches against Zimbabwe on February 13, Sri Lanka on February 17 and Oman on February 21.