Australia's Ashes preparations have been dealt a fresh and significant blow, with key paceman Josh Hazlewood suffering a new injury setback that puts his participation in the crucial third Test in serious jeopardy.
Hamstring Woes Compound for Hazlewood
The fast bowler, who has already missed the first two Tests of the series against England due to a hamstring complaint, is now battling soreness in his Achilles tendon. Cricket Australia confirmed the unwelcome news on Friday as the national team was batting at the Gabba in Brisbane.
A spokesperson stated that Hazlewood reported the Achilles issue this week during his rehabilitation from the original hamstring injury. While they described it as a 'low-grade issue' and indicated he is expected to restart running and bowling next week, the timing is far from ideal.
Race Against Time for Adelaide
The development has severely impacted Hazlewood's chances of proving his fitness for the third Test, which begins at the Adelaide Oval on December 17. His planned trip to Brisbane to join the squad for the second Test was reportedly cancelled following the new diagnosis.
This injury compounds earlier rumours that his initial hamstring problem was more severe than first thought, potentially involving tendon damage alongside the muscle strain.
Bowling Attack Crisis Deepens for Australia
The loss of Hazlewood, coupled with the absence of captain Pat Cummins due to a back issue, has left a gaping hole in Australia's premier bowling line-up. Cummins missed the Tests in Perth and Brisbane but is considered a strong prospect to return for the Adelaide match.
They are not the only fitness concerns troubling the Australian camp. Opening batter Usman Khawaja was a late withdrawal from the Gabba Test after pulling up sore from training, having previously been hampered by a back injury in Perth.
In response to the bowling crisis, selectors have turned to seamers Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett, while quick Michael Neser was brought into the side for Brisbane after spinner Nathan Lyon was dropped.
With the series poised delicately, Australia's management now faces a tense wait to see if their star pace duo can recover in time to lead the attack in Adelaide.
