Josh Hazlewood's recent injury setbacks cast serious doubt on his ability to rejoin Australia's Ashes pace attack, and the situation has now become more uncertain. Fans and experts alike are watching closely, knowing that his participation could pivot the entire series. But here's where it gets controversial: will his ongoing injuries ultimately derail his Ashes campaign altogether?
At just 34 years old, Hazlewood has faced a frustrating series of challenges, experiencing repeated hurdles on his road back to competitive cricket. His comeback has been marked by cautious progress—initially taking strides forward, only to be slowed down by setbacks that make the whole recovery process feel like a rollercoaster. After injuring his hamstring during a Sheffield Shield match for NSW against Victoria, many were hopeful he’d be ready for the upcoming Test matches. However, instead of joining the squad in Brisbane earlier this week, Hazlewood stayed in Sydney for further treatment as the injury continued to HEAL.
Recently, a Cricket Australia spokesperson provided an update that might dampen the hopes of those eager for Hazlewood’s return. According to the statement issued on Friday, Hazlewood has been managing achilles soreness—an issue described as low-grade—but still one that could delay his involvement in the series. The plan was for him to resume running and bowling next week, but that timeline remains uncertain.
The Australian cricket team now faces a stark reality: their top pace trio, which includes Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc, might not be able to take the field together during this series. Hazlewood had been making positive strides, even bowling with a red ball in Sydney—an encouraging sign that he was aiming for the third Test at Adelaide starting December 17. Unfortunately, with his latest injury concerns, that goal seems less attainable.
Meanwhile, there is some good news regarding Pat Cummins. Only ten days ago, Cummins was seen bowling in the nets alongside Hazlewood, signaling he was close to returning. In Brisbane, Cummins was considered a real chance to play in the second Test, which is currently ongoing, but ultimately was held back on the eve of the match due to the lingering effects of a back injury. Australian selectors’ chair, George Bailey, confirmed Cummins would be available for the third Test in Adelaide, emphasizing that the longer recovery period was necessary for full fitness.
Bailey clarified that Cummins practically could have played in Brisbane but would have faced restrictions around his workload, particularly concerning his bowling overs. Instead, he is now progressing with back-to-back bowling sessions, which indicates a cautious and steady approach to his recovery.
On the other hand, Nathan Lyon, who was dropped for the second Test, is expected to make his return at Adelaide Oval. With Cummins set to join Mitchell Starc—and likely Josh Boland—these selections will put pressure on the decisions regarding pacemen Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser, whose roles could become more prominent if other injuries persist.
Throughout the series, Mitchell Starc has been the most consistent performer, taking a remarkable 16 wickets at an average of just 11.75, proving to be the backbone of the Australian attack in the absence of his key teammates. But as injuries continue to impact the squad, questions about the upcoming lineup and how they will adapt under these circumstances remain open. So, will Hazlewood recover in time to make a difference? Can Cummins overcome his setbacks comfortably? Or will the injury toll force Australia to rethink their bowling strategy altogether? These are questions worth pondering—and sparks debate among cricket fans and analysts alike. Do you agree with the current approach, or should Australia consider alternative options? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
