Australia’s pace bowler Josh Hazlewood faces a fresh injury setback, putting his return to the Ashes series in serious doubt. (Image Credit: X/ESPNcricinfo)
Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood's hopes of returning to the ongoing Ashes series have taken a major hit with a fresh Achilles soreness emerging just as he began recovering from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the Brisbane Test. ESPNcricinfo has reported that the setback has forced Cricket Australia to pause his planned return to the Test squad this week.
Josh Hazlewood had only just resumed light bowling off a short run-up in Sydney after suffering a hamstring strain during a Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria last month. But the latest discomfort has delayed his running and bowling workload.
Cricket Australia confirmed the concern, saying, “Josh Hazlewood reported Achilles soreness this week during his rehabilitation from a recent hamstring injury. It is a low-grade issue, and he is expected to recommence running and bowling next week.”
Hazlewood was never in contention for the second Test in Adelaide, but the new Achilles flare-up now puts his prospects for the Melbourne Boxing Day Test and the Sydney New Year's Test in serious doubt. As the Ashes are heating up, Australia's pace attack could miss one of its most dependable red-ball operators for a major portion of the series.
Hazlewood's recent career has been beset by setbacks immediately after recovering from major injuries trend becoming increasingly worrying for selectors.
2022-23: Suffered a side strain in the first Test, returned briefly, then developed Achilles soreness that ruled him out of the India tour and left him underprepared for the WTC final.
Last season: Picked up a side strain in the India Test, rushed back, then strained his calf, sidelining him from the entire home summer, Sri Lanka tour and Champions Trophy.
2024-25: Played the IPL, WTC final and Tests in the Caribbean but managed only one Shield match before the hamstring strain now delaying his Ashes return.
The recurring cycle of injuries has made it increasingly difficult for the Australian management to rely on him for long Test series.
Two frontline pacers are unavailable, Australia's fast-bowling depth is being stretched thin with rotation so crucial in a long Ashes campaign.
Australian head coach Andrew McDonald was hopeful that Hazlewood might rejoin the squad for the later matches of the series. But with his bowling workload now pushed back by at least another week due to the Achilles flare-up, the window for a realistic comeback is rapidly shrinking.
The uncertain timeline on Hazlewood’s recovery is a major challenge as the Ashes move towards its crucial middle phase and raises questions regarding his long-term durability in Test cricket.
