Hazlewood's Recent Physical Issue Jeopardizes Ashes Bowling Reunion.
Hazlewood faces a tight timeline to contribute during the historic Test series due to a further physical setback in his journey back to full fitness.
A Story of Frustrating Progress.
His return has been marked by setbacks for the 34-year-old paceman who was showing encouraging signs from a recent hamstring issue, picked up in domestic cricket. Hazlewood was due to join the Test side in Brisbane last week to continue his recovery electing to stay in Sydney.
“Josh Hazlewood reported achilles soreness this week during his rehabilitation {from a recent hamstring injury|from the earlier muscle issue|,” an official confirmed. “The concern is considered minor, with expectations he will restart his bowling program soon.”
Dream Pace Trio Reunion in Doubt.
The selectors are confronting the possibility that their first-choice pace trio of Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in the current campaign. He was recently seen working with his recovering teammate Pat Cummins in a positive sign.
He was bowling with a red ball, which differed from the pink ball, suggesting his focus was on the upcoming match at Adelaide Oval. That timeline is now looking more unlikely for the right-arm quick about Cummins, who was considered for the Brisbane match.
Selector's Update On Player Fitness.
Chair of selectors George Bailey stated Cummins was nearly available, pulling out just before the game due to the lingering impact {of a back injury|from a back complaint|. Bailey stated the captain will be available at the Adelaide Oval, with the second Test timeline being too aggressive.
“Selection was an option but with overs restrictions in place,” the selector explained. “Currently, he is in a phase of consecutive bowling workloads. A longer build-up is definitely preferable.”
Regarding Nathan Lyon, Bailey stated will feature in Adelaide. With Cummins to join Starc, and likely Scott Boland, in Adelaide the positions of pacemen Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser for the Adelaide fixture. Starc has been the mainstay of the pace attack without of his two esteemed colleagues, snaring 16 wickets with a remarkable average.
