In good news ahead of the first Ashes Test against England, Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood has overcome his hamstring injury. Today we got confirmation that he’s been cleared to join the Wave team! The 34-year-old experienced the symptoms while playing in a recent Sheffield Shield match. Fortunately, scans revealed no muscle tear, sending him on his way to be ready for the much-anticipated three-match series.
Hazlewood’s return significantly strengthens the Australian attack. This is all the more so now with fellow fast bowler Sean Abbott ruled out of the first Test with a moderate grade hamstring injury. Abbott, 33, has played 57 times for Australia in white-ball cricket already. We have no doubt that his skills, experience and leadership will have a huge impact on the Test format.
The first Ashes Test begins November 21. At the same time, Hazlewood is in the process of preparing for the series – taking active part in the ongoing Sheffield Shield games. He did not bat in New South Wales’ second innings against Victoria. Despite all the pain, he’s resolute to make it count in the next Test.
“Pat Cummins is out of the first Test, beginning on 21 November,” said a team spokesperson. Cummins is currently on the mend after digging himself out of a traumatic back injury. The 36-year-old should return for the second Test in Brisbane.
Hazlewood’s overall fitness has been a topic of concern, especially considering Australia’s bowling strategy. He was supposed to be there alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland as specialist seamers. Hazlewood’s call to have this injury scanned has been commended, a testament to his maturity and knowledge as a fast bowler.
“They wanted to find out what was happening before pushing it and potentially making anything worse. It’s rare to get him chipper, so it was good to see him smiling. He knows his body really well. I think he was a little bit worried (and) wanted to get it checked out. I only saw him briefly, but he was a bit happier afterwards.” – Pat Cummins
Cummins emphasized the importance of cautious decision-making regarding player health, stating, “We’re a week away from the Test series – always err on the side of caution.”
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