Australia's plans to reunite their premier fast bowling attack for the Ashes have suffered a significant blow, with veteran paceman Josh Hazlewood encountering a fresh injury hurdle on his road to recovery.
Another Setback for Hazlewood's Comeback Bid
Josh Hazlewood's race to be fit for the Ashes series has hit another speed bump, with the 34-year-old reporting Achilles soreness during his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury. Cricket Australia confirmed the low-grade issue in a statement, noting Hazlewood is expected to recommence running and bowling next week.
This development is a frustrating reversal for the key bowler, who had been making positive strides in Sydney. Just ten days ago, he was bowling in the nets with a red ball alongside Pat Cummins, a clear signal he was targeting a return for the third Test at Adelaide Oval starting December 17. That timeline now appears increasingly unlikely.
Cummins Cleared as Pace Attack Reshuffles
In brighter news for the home side, selector George Bailey confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be fit to play in Adelaide. Cummins was a late withdrawal from the second Test in Brisbane due to the lingering effects of a back injury, with Bailey stating he "could've played but there would've been some restrictions around the overs."
With Cummins joining Mitchell Starc, and likely Scott Boland, in the attack for Adelaide, the spots of standby quicks Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser will come under scrutiny. Starc has been a formidable force in the absence of his colleagues, taking 16 wickets at an average of 11.75 in the series so far.
Spinner's Return and Series Implications
Bailey also confirmed that off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who was dropped for the day-night Test in Brisbane, will return to the side for the Adelaide match.
The consecutive injuries to Hazlewood and Cummins have forced Australia to confront the reality that their first-choice pace trio may not play together at all this series. Hazlewood's initial hamstring injury was sustained while playing for New South Wales against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield, and his path back has been stop-start ever since.
While Cummins progresses well into "back-to-back bowling days," the focus shifts to Hazlewood's rehabilitation, with Australian fans hoping his latest issue is only a minor delay in a crucial Ashes campaign.
