The veteran fast bowler is in a race against time to play a role in the ongoing battle against England due to a further physical setback on his road back to the bowling crease.
A Story of One Step Forward, Two Steps Back.
The recovery process has been frustratingly stop-start for the 34-year-old paceman who had been making positive steps from a recent hamstring issue, sustained while playing for NSW. He was scheduled to link up the national squad in Queensland in recent days for further rehabilitation but remained in New South Wales.
“Hazlewood felt achilles soreness this week as part of his rehab {from a recent hamstring injury|from the earlier muscle issue|,” a team spokesperson stated. “It's not a serious problem, and he is expected to recommence running and bowling next week.”
First-Choice Attack Future Uncertain.
The team management is dealing with the prospect that their first-choice pace trio of Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc during this Ashes contest. He was recently seen working at practice sessions just 10 days ago.
Notably, he used a traditional red cricket ball, not a pink one, suggesting his focus was on the third Test in Adelaide. That schedule now appears in doubt for Hazlewood regarding Pat Cummins, who nearly featured for the Brisbane match.
Bailey's Assessment Regarding Key Bowlers.
Chair of selectors George Bailey stated Cummins was nearly available, pulling out just before the game due to the lingering impact {of a back injury|from a back complaint|. Bailey confirmed Cummins would be fit to play in Adelaide, but the Brisbane match came too soon.
“He was potentially available but with overs restrictions in place,” Bailey said. “Now he’s into that mode of consecutive bowling workloads. This is a situation where more time is beneficial.”
Regarding Nathan Lyon, Bailey stated will feature in Adelaide. As Cummins prepares to partner Starc, and presumably Scott Boland, the roles of seamers such as Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser ahead of the third Test. The left-armer has been the cornerstone of the pace attack without his two celebrated teammates, snaring 16 wickets with a remarkable average.