Josh Hazlewood suffers fresh setback ahead of Ashes return

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood’s hopes of featuring in the ongoing Ashes series have taken another hit after he reported Achilles soreness during the early stages of his comeback from a hamstring injury.

The 34-year-old had been due to join the Test squad in Brisbane to continue his rehabilitation, but the plan has now been put on hold. 

The right-arm pacer had resumed light bowling in Sydney last week after being ruled out of the series opener, following a hamstring injury sustained while playing for New South Wales against Victoria last month.

"Josh Hazlewood reported achilles soreness this week during his rehabilitation from recent hamstring injury," a Cricket Australia statement said. "It is a low-grade issue and he is expected to recommence running and bowling next week."

While the right-arm pacer was never likely to be available for the second Test in Adelaide, the latest setback leaves him racing against time to be fit for the Melbourne or Sydney Tests.

The recurring nature of Hazlewood’s injuries has been a major concern in recent years, with secondary issues often emerging after initial recoveries.

The pacer has dealt with multiple calf and Achilles problems, as well as repeated side strains.

In the 2022–23 home season, he suffered a side strain during the opening Test and missed the next three matches. 

After returning in early January, he was again sidelined by Achilles soreness, ruling him out of the India tour and leaving him slightly short of fitness for the World Test Championship final in June.

Last summer brought further setbacks: Hazlewood sustained another side strain in the first Test against India, missed the second match and then strained his calf after a rushed return in Brisbane. 

The injury ruled him out of the remainder of the summer, the Sri Lanka tour and the Champions Trophy before he finally made a comeback midway through the IPL.

From that point, he enjoyed a consistent run, featuring in the IPL, the WTC final, three Tests in the Caribbean and Australia’s white-ball series against South Africa, New Zealand and India. 

His only Sheffield Shield appearance leading into this Ashes campaign, however, resulted in the hamstring strain that triggered his current layoff. 

A scan initially failed to detect the strain, raising concerns over possible tendon involvement.

Despite Australia coach Andrew McDonald expressing optimism about Hazlewood’s availability later in the series, the fresh Achilles issue and delayed increase in workload have further reduced his chances of returning.

Australia’s fast-bowling depth has already been tested early in the Ashes, with Sean Abbott sidelined by a hamstring injury. 

Pat Cummins was close to making a comeback at the Gabba but has instead been held back for Adelaide.