Overview:
The right-arm speedster was not expected to play in the third Test. However, he is now not certain to play in the final two matches in Melbourne and Sydney.
Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood’s chances of playing in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 have taken a hit after he developed Achilles soreness. He was supposed to join the squad in Brisbane, but his return has been put on hold.
He had recently started bowling after being ruled out of the first two matches due to a hamstring injury he sustained last month. Cricket Australia has confirmed that the pacer has suffered another injury setback.
“Josh Hazlewood is down with Achilles soreness. It is a low-grade issue, and he is expected to resume bowling next week,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson was quoted as saying by The Guardian.
The right-arm speedster was not expected to play in the third Test. However, he is now not certain to play in the final two matches in Melbourne and Sydney.
Hazlewood was injured while representing New South Wales against Victoria. Although Australia coach Andrew McDonald was confident of Hazlewood’s return, the Achilles soreness has reduced his chances of playing in the series.
Meanwhile, Australia captain Pat Cummins has been declared fit and was present with the team on Day 2 of the second Test at the Gabba. He would return to the team in Adelaide.
“Cummins could have played in Brisbane, but there would have been some restrictions on his bowling due to fitness. Now he is ready to bowl, and it is important to keep longer recovery in mind,” Australia chief selector George Bailey said.
Mitchell Starc’s sensational bowling hasn’t allowed the team to miss Hazlewood and Cummins. The left-arm pacer has taken 16 wickets in three innings so far. After his 10-wicket haul in the series opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Starc dismissed six batters in the first innings of the ongoing day-night Test.
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