Josh Hazlewood's Recent Injury Setback Threatens Test Series Pace Trio Return.
The veteran fast bowler is in a race against time to play a role in the Ashes series following a new fitness concern in his journey back to the bowling crease.
An Episode of Mixed Rehabilitation.
The recovery process has been frustratingly stop-start for the seasoned campaigner whose progress had been promising after sustaining a hamstring strain, picked up in domestic cricket. Plans were for him to meet his teammates at the Gabba in recent days but instead remained electing to stay in Sydney.
“Hazlewood felt discomfort in his achilles as part of his rehab {from a recent hamstring injury|from the earlier muscle issue|,” a spokesperson said. “It's not a serious problem, with expectations he will restart his bowling program soon.”
Star Bowling Lineup Plans Disrupted.
The selectors are confronting the possibility that their first-choice pace trio of Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc during this Ashes contest. Just days ago, he was training at practice sessions recently.
He was bowling with a red ball, which differed from the pink ball, suggesting his focus was on the next fixture starting on 17 December. That schedule now appears in doubt for Hazlewood about Cummins, who was considered for the Brisbane match.
Selector's Update on Cummins and Lyon.
Chair of selectors George Bailey confirmed Cummins was a chance of playing, his withdrawal coming at the last minute due to the lingering impact {of a back injury|from a back complaint|. Bailey confirmed Cummins would be fit to play in Adelaide, although the Gabba Test had proven a bridge too far.
“He could’ve played though with certain limitations,” the selector explained. “Now he’s into that mode of intensive bowling preparation. A longer build-up is definitely preferable.”
Regarding Nathan Lyon, Bailey stated , dropped for the second Test. With the captain set to team up with Starc, and likely Scott Boland, the spots for fast bowlers like will be closely examined for the next Test. Mitchell Starc has been the leader of the bowling unit during the unavailability his two celebrated teammates, snaring 16 wickets at an average of 11.75.
