Brisbane, Dec 5 (NationPress) Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has encountered another injury challenge, having sustained a low-grade Achilles injury while undergoing rehabilitation for a persistent hamstring issue.

This latest setback raises new questions about his potential participation in the rest of the Ashes series. During Day 2 of the ongoing day-night Test match at the Gabba, Cricket Australia issued an official statement regarding Hazlewood's recovery.

According to the statement, "Josh Hazlewood reported soreness in his Achilles this week while rehabilitating from his recent hamstring injury. This is classified as a low-grade issue, and he is anticipated to resume running and bowling next week," CA stated.

The severity of this new injury remains uncertain, as a timeline for his return has yet to be established. However, if the Achilles concern subsides, the pacer is expected to start running and bowling next week.

Previously, Hazlewood sustained a hamstring injury during a Sheffield Shield match for New South Wales against Victoria last month. Initial scans showed no significant damage, but follow-up imaging revealed a hamstring strain, sidelining him for the first two Tests of the ongoing Ashes series.

Hazlewood was scheduled to travel to Brisbane this week to rejoin the Australian squad and continue his rehabilitation; however, those plans were scrapped following reports of soreness. He will remain in Sydney, casting doubt on his availability for the rest of the series, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.

Before this latest injury concern, Hazlewood had begun bowling, aiming for a return in the third Test, which kicks off on December 17 in Adelaide. His training sessions were focused on red-ball bowling, indicating the team’s strategy.

There are worries that Hazlewood may not be able to play until the fourth Test at the MCG or even later. Should he miss all five Tests of the series, it would mark the first time since his debut in 2014 against India.