Australia's hopes for the Ashes 2025 series have been dealt a severe blow with the news that premier fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is now a major doubt for the remainder of the contest against England. The experienced pacer has suffered a fresh injury setback while recovering from a previous hamstring issue.
Fresh Injury Complicates Rehabilitation
The 34-year-old speedster had already been ruled out of the first two Tests of the high-profile series after sustaining a hamstring injury last month while playing for Victoria. His planned path to recovery has now hit a significant roadblock. According to a report by The Age, Hazlewood was scheduled to travel to Brisbane to join the Australian squad and continue his rehabilitation alongside the team. However, that trip has been abruptly cancelled.
The reason for the cancellation is a new complaint of Achilles soreness that Hazlewood reported this week. Instead of heading to Brisbane, the bowler will now remain in Sydney as Cricket Australia and medical staff assess this latest development. This new low-grade issue has emerged during his rehabilitation programme for the original hamstring injury.
Cricket Australia's Official Statement
Cricket Australia moved quickly to address the situation with an official statement. "Josh Hazlewood reported achilles soreness this week during his rehabilitation from recent hamstring injury," the statement confirmed. It sought to provide some optimism, adding, "It is a low-grade issue and he is expected to recommence running and bowling next week."
Despite the cautiously positive tone of the update, the timing is far from ideal for the Australian team's campaign. The statement's mention of recommencing running and bowling "next week" indicates a clear delay in his return to full fitness, putting immense pressure on the rest of the bowling attack.
Implications for the Ashes Series
This injury news casts a long shadow over Australia's plans for the crucial backend of the series. The third Test, a pivotal match in the contest, is scheduled to begin on December 17 in Adelaide. Hazlewood's potential absence from this match and beyond would force a significant reshuffle in the Australian bowling lineup.
The loss of a bowler of Hazlewood's calibre and experience is a massive setback for any team, especially in a marquee series like the Ashes. His ability to maintain relentless pressure with consistent line and length is a cornerstone of Australia's Test strategy. The team management will now need to consider alternative options, potentially fast-tracking the return of another bowler or altering their tactical approach for the Adelaide Test and the matches that follow.
All eyes will now be on Hazlewood's recovery in Sydney over the coming days, with Australian fans hoping the "low-grade issue" resolves swiftly and does not end the veteran's involvement in the series prematurely.
