Australia hit with Hazelwood injury bombshell | Cricket | Sport
Australia have been dealt another major setback after Josh Hazelwood picked up a fresh injury concern amid their battle with England to retain the Ashes. The Australian pace bowler, who is one quarter of the ‘Awesome foursome’ alongside Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, has missed the first two Tests with a hamstring injury.
There had been some hope that he’ll return to the XI to face England before the series comes to a close. However, Cricket Australia have confirmed Hazelwood is suffering from an Achilles tendon complaint and is a doubt for the third Test.
“Josh Hazlewood reported Achilles soreness this week during his rehabilitation from a recent hamstring injury,” a CA spokesperson confirmed. “It is a low-grade issue, and he is expected to recommence running and bowling next week.”
It’s a further blow for the Aussies who are already without captain Cummins due to a back injury. He also missed the opening Test in Perth, but was close to returning at the Gabba. Speaking ahead of play on day one, stand-in captain Steve Smith said: “We would have batted first as well.
“If you bat well, you have a chance to manipulate the game under lights with the ball in hand. He [Pat Cummins] was close. He has done everything right in the last week. Just thought it might be a bit risky to play him in this Test.”
The hosts have had to reshuffle their line-up with Usman Khawaja ruled out of the second Test due to a back injury, while Nathan Lyon was not named in the XI, despite having a brilliant record at the Gabba.
Cummins and Hazlewood were replaced by seamers Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett, while Michael Neser came into the side for spinner Nathan Lyon.
Australia are currently in the driving seat and trail by 125 runs after England were bowled out for 334. Jake Weatherald scored 72-runs from 78 deliveries, while Marnus Labuschagne notched his half-century midway through the second session before he was caught behind from a Stokes delivery.
England have it all to do after a disappointing morning session saw them gift the hosts a number of costly boundaries.
