Josh Hazlewood’s hopes of featuring in the Ashes series have taken another frustrating blow, with the veteran fast bowler once again halted in his return from injury. What initially looked like a promising comeback from a hamstring strain has now been complicated by Achilles soreness — an untimely setback for a player desperate to rejoin Australia's frontline attack.
For Hazlewood, the road back to Test cricket has become a weary pattern of progress overshadowed by unexpected interruptions. The 34-year-old suffered his hamstring injury while representing NSW in the Sheffield Shield against Victoria, but early signs suggested a smooth path to recovery. He had been steadily increasing his bowling loads and was set to travel to Brisbane earlier this week to continue building towards a return with the national squad.
Instead, he remained in Sydney after reporting new discomfort.
A Cricket Australia spokesperson confirmed the development, noting the cautious approach being taken with one of Australia's most experienced pacemen.
“Josh Hazlewood reported Achilles soreness this week during his rehabilitation from a recent hamstring injury,” the spokesperson said.
“It is a low-grade issue, and he is expected to recommence running and bowling next week.”
While the update offers optimism that the issue is not severe, the timing is far from ideal. Australia’s golden trio of Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc — long considered the backbone of the Test attack — have rarely played together in recent years due to staggered injuries. Now, with the Ashes hanging in the balance, there is growing uncertainty about whether the three will feature in the same match at all this summer.
Cummins Tracking Well Ahead of Adelaide
Ten days ago, Hazlewood was bowling alongside fellow injured quick Pat Cummins in Sydney, even preparing with the red ball — a clear indication he was targeting the third Test in Adelaide on December 17. That goal now appears significantly less likely as he navigates this latest setback.
The news around Cummins, however, is far more encouraging. The Australian captain had pushed hard to make his return for the second Test at the Gabba, and selectors revealed he came agonisingly close to being declared fit. Ultimately, lingering soreness from a back issue forced a last-minute decision to withdraw.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey confirmed just how narrow that call was.
“He could’ve played but there would’ve been some restrictions around the overs,” Bailey explained.
“Now he’s into that mode where it’s back-to-back bowling days. It’s one of those one where the longer (recovery) is better.”
Bailey has since stated that Cummins will be fit for the Adelaide Test, easing some of the pressure on Australia’s depleted bowling stocks. With the day-night conditions historically suiting pace bowlers, his return arrives at an opportune moment.
Lyon Set for Recall as Bowling Selection Tightens
Another significant selection call has been confirmed: Nathan Lyon will return to the XI after being omitted for the second Test. His absence in Brisbane surprised many, but Bailey clarified that the veteran spinner would be reinstated at Adelaide Oval, a venue where he has enjoyed considerable success throughout his career.
With Cummins expected back and Mitchell Starc in red-hot form, the bowling line-up for the third Test is beginning to take shape. Scott Boland is widely tipped to retain his place, leaving Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser as the likely players under the microscope when selectors finalise the attack.
Doggett made a spirited contribution in Brisbane, and Neser continues to be a dependable option, especially in pink-ball conditions. However, competition intensifies when Australia’s core quicks return, and both may find themselves squeezed out.
Starc Holding the Attack Together
Amid the rotational chaos caused by injuries, one figure has stood tall: Mitchell Starc. The left-armer has shouldered immense responsibility in the opening matches of the series, producing a blistering start that has reaffirmed his status as one of the most dangerous fast bowlers in world cricket. His haul of 16 wickets at an exceptional average of 11.75 has provided Australia with much-needed stability and threat at a time when experience has been thin on the ground.
Starc’s dominance has eased some of the pressure caused by the absences of Hazlewood and Cummins, but the workload has inevitably increased as a result. The return of the captain and the potential availability of Boland will provide vital support as Australia manoeuvres through a crucial stretch of the Ashes.
Racing Against Time
For Hazlewood, the challenge now lies in recovering quickly enough to make a meaningful contribution to the series. His experience, discipline, and control have long made him a pillar of Australia’s bowling identity. Yet with his latest setback, selectors must prepare for the very real possibility that the paceman may not feature until later in the summer — if at all.
Despite the optimism around a swift return to running and bowling, the tight turnaround before the third Test leaves little room for error. A red-ball match under lights demands full fitness, and Australia will not risk premature selection with multiple high-pressure contests still ahead.
The Ashes often hinge on momentum, and Australia’s ability to manage their pace resources will be central to maintaining control of the series. While Hazlewood continues his rehabilitation in Sydney, Cummins edges closer to a return and Starc remains the shining constant. The coming weeks will reveal whether the trio can reunite in time — or whether this series will once again unfold without Australia’s first-choice fast-bowling unit taking the field together.
