Australia’s hopes of fielding their full-strength pace attack in the Ashes have hit another hurdle, with veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood facing a fresh injury setback just as he was edging closer to returning to international cricket. The 34-year-old paceman, who has been working diligently to recover from a hamstring injury sustained while representing New South Wales against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield, is now grappling with Achilles soreness that has delayed his comeback.
Hazlewood had been steadily progressing through rehabilitation, giving Australian selectors hope that he could be available for the upcoming Ashes series. However, plans to join the national Test squad in Brisbane this week were abandoned, with the bowler remaining in Sydney to manage the latest physical concern.
“Josh Hazlewood reported achilles soreness this week during his rehabilitation from a recent hamstring injury,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson confirmed on Friday. “It is a low-grade issue, and he is expected to recommence running and bowling next week.”
The news presents a complex challenge for Australia, who are now confronted with the real possibility that their preferred pace combination—Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc—may not be available simultaneously during this high-profile Ashes contest. The trio has formed the backbone of Australia’s fast-bowling attack for several years, and their combined absence could alter the team’s strategies significantly.
Hazlewood had previously been running and bowling in nets sessions alongside fellow injured paceman Pat Cummins in Sydney, demonstrating a strong commitment to regaining match fitness. Just ten days ago, both fast bowlers were visibly progressing, raising hopes that at least one might feature in the early matches of the Ashes. Hazlewood’s use of a red ball in practice sessions indicated that he was targeting the third Test in Adelaide, scheduled to start on December 17.
Unfortunately, the timeline for Hazlewood’s return now appears more uncertain. While this setback may delay his involvement, there is a silver lining for Australia concerning Cummins. The Brisbane Test, currently underway, saw Cummins miss out due to a lingering back injury, but there is optimism he will be available for the third Test.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey provided further insight into Cummins’ situation. “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 ones where the longer (recovery) is better.”
Bailey’s comments underline the cautious approach being taken to ensure Australia’s key bowlers are fully fit before returning to competitive action. The selectors are prioritizing the long-term impact over short-term gains, especially with the Ashes series demanding sustained performance across multiple matches.
In terms of team selection for Adelaide, Bailey confirmed that Nathan Lyon, who was dropped for the second Test, will return to the playing XI. With Cummins expected to join Starc—and most likely Josh Hazlewood if he recovers in time—the selectors will need to carefully evaluate the remaining pace options. Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser are likely to face intense scrutiny as the team aims to finalize the best combination of bowlers for the next Test.
Starc has shouldered the responsibility of leading the attack in the absence of his fellow pacemen, delivering exceptional performances that have kept Australia competitive. With 16 wickets at an average of 11.75, Starc has proven himself indispensable, demonstrating why the selectors are keen to manage his workload effectively while ensuring support from the other bowlers once they return.
Beyond the senior pace trio, emerging talents like Jhye Richardson continue to remind selectors of their depth. Richardson’s performances for Australia A have showcased his skill and temperament, giving the team confidence in their backup options should injuries persist. Meanwhile, domestic cricket continues to play a crucial role in maintaining player form, with Sam Konstas recently scoring a Sheffield Shield century for New South Wales and demonstrating the quality of talent available in the domestic circuit.
The ongoing injury concerns highlight the physical demands placed on fast bowlers, especially in high-stakes series such as the Ashes. For Hazlewood, the path to recovery is a delicate balance between regaining match fitness and avoiding aggravation of existing injuries. At 34, the veteran paceman must carefully navigate this stage of his career to extend his playing longevity while contributing effectively to Australia’s Ashes campaign.
As the series progresses, the team management will need to adapt strategies to account for the availability of their fast bowlers. If Hazlewood is unable to recover in time, Australia may have to rely on a combination of Starc, Cummins, and emerging bowlers like Doggett, Neser, or Richardson to maintain their competitive edge. Meanwhile, the selectors’ cautious approach underscores the importance of ensuring players are fully fit rather than risking exacerbation of injuries that could impact future fixtures.
The Ashes series is not just a test of skill but also of depth and resilience. Australia’s management will be closely monitoring Hazlewood’s progress in the coming days, hoping for positive developments that could allow him to feature in the Adelaide Test. Until then, the focus remains on managing workloads, nurturing emerging talent, and ensuring the team fields its strongest possible attack for the battles ahead.
With injury challenges continuing to impact the Australian pace attack, the anticipation for Hazlewood’s return grows. Cricket fans across the nation will be watching closely, hoping the veteran fast bowler can overcome this latest hurdle and once again contribute to his team’s success on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
