Will Hazlewood Make a Comeback in the Ashes?
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Synopsis
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood is on the mend from a hamstring injury and is targeting a return for the later stages of the Ashes. He missed the opening Test but has been bowling in the nets, raising hopes for his comeback as the series progresses. Can he play a key role in the Ashes?
Key Takeaways
- Josh Hazlewood is targeting a return for the final stages of the Ashes series.
- He missed the opening Test due to a hamstring injury.
- Hazlewood has resumed bowling in the nets, boosting hopes for his comeback.
- Pat Cummins is also working towards regaining fitness ahead of the Brisbane Test.
- The second Test will be held at the Gabba starting December 4.
Sydney, Nov 28 (NationPress) Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has expressed his desire to be fit for the final stages of the Ashes series as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
Hazlewood was unable to participate in the opening Ashes Test in Perth due to a right hamstring injury that was confirmed by a second set of scans. He sustained this injury during a Sheffield Shield match for New South Wales just prior to the first Test. Consequently, he has also been excluded from the squad for the upcoming day-night second Test at the Gabba, which kicks off on December 4, as Australia has opted to maintain the same squad for this match.
Despite this setback, Hazlewood has been practicing with a red ball in the nets this week in Sydney, raising hopes for his potential return later in the series, though it is possible that the series outcome could be decided before he has a chance to bowl against England.
“Progress is slow but steady. I’ll have another bowl today; I’ve just started again. Running and everything else is going well,” Hazlewood stated at the SCG on Friday.
“It’s difficult to set a specific timeline. I think ‘Ron’ (Australian coach Andrew McDonald) hit the nail on the head recently — I hope to play a role towards the end, ideally when we’re in a strong position,” he added.
Hazlewood also mentioned that fellow pace bowler and Australian captain Pat Cummins is showing promising signs of recovery ahead of a possible return for the Brisbane Test, which is scheduled for next Thursday at the Gabba. However, Cummins was later omitted from the squad and has been granted an additional two weeks to regain full fitness.
“He’s been ticking all the right boxes over the past few weeks. I watched him bowl on Tuesday with the pink ball, and everything looked pretty good,” Hazlewood remarked.
Cummins conducted a vigorous training session at the SCG on Friday, bowling at what appeared to be full speed to Steve Smith for over an hour with a pink ball, following a similar practice session at Cricket Central on Tuesday. He stands a good chance of returning for the third match in Adelaide, which begins on December 17.
Point of View
This coverage maintains a balanced view of Hazlewood's recovery process and its implications for the Ashes series. As the nation rallies behind its players, the focus remains on their health and performance, ensuring a fair and informative narrative.
NationPress
28/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the second Test of the Ashes?
The second Test of the Ashes is scheduled to begin on December 4 at the Gabba.
What injury is Josh Hazlewood recovering from?
Josh Hazlewood is recovering from a right hamstring injury.
Is Pat Cummins fit to play in the Ashes?
Pat Cummins has been left out of the squad for the second Test but is showing signs of recovery.
Can we expect Hazlewood to play in the Ashes?
Hazlewood is hoping to return for the back end of the Ashes series.
What did Hazlewood say about his recovery?
Hazlewood mentioned that his recovery is progressing slowly but is optimistic about returning to play.
