Australia team management have issued an update on the fitness of key pacer Josh Hazlewood ahead of a busy schedule of cricket that consists of the ICC World Test Championship final against India and five Ashes Tests.
Hazlewood has been dealing with injuries for a while, and he hasn’t participated in a single Test match during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India. Hazlewood’s anticipated return to cricket during the currently-running IPL was similarly postponed; the bowler didn’t play in his first game until halfway through the competition.
With only three appearances and nine overs bowled during the IPL 2023, the seasoned pacer made a negligible effect. He last played for Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 9 and, after complaining of side pain prior to their final match, took an early flight back to Australia.
Josh Hazlewood Is Considered Fit And Available For The WTC And Ashes Series: CA Official
This has led to questions about his physical condition ahead of Australia’s explosive Test cricket schedule, which includes the World Test Championship final against India and five Ashes Tests against England in June and July. Hazlewood has been selected for both the first two Ashes Tests and the World Test Championship final.
The pacer is back to bowling as the Australian team gets ready to leave for the UK, which is a huge relief for him after scans showed no harm. Hazlewood is expected to be healthy and on point for the upcoming Test matches, ready to support captain Cummins and Mitchell Starc as part of the fast three.
“Josh Hazlewood returned home from the IPL last weekend after experiencing minor side soreness after the completion of his most recent IPL match. After a brief and precautionary rest period, Hazlewood returned to high-intensity bowling last week and will continue to increase his bowling workloads in preparation for the WTC and Ashes series. Hazlewood is considered fit and available for the WTC and Ashes Series,” CA spokesperson was quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
The World Test Championship between Australia and India will be played at The Oval in London between June 7-11, with Cummins’ side immediately embarking on an Ashes campaign scheduled to be held between June 16 and July 31.