Brisbane, 5 December (H.S.): Australia’s pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood has suffered another injury setback during his rehabilitation phase. While recovering from a hamstring strain, the right-arm fast bowler has now developed a “low-grade Achilles injury,” casting fresh doubt over his return for the ongoing Ashes series.

Cricket Australia (CA) issued an official update on Day 2 of the Day-Night Test at the Gabba, confirming the development. “Josh Hazlewood experienced some soreness in his Achilles while progressing through his recovery from a hamstring injury earlier this week. This is a low-grade issue, and he is expected to resume running and bowling next week,” the CA statement read.

However, the board did not specify a definitive recovery timeline, noting that his return to action will depend on how quickly the Achilles issue responds to treatment.

Setback in Recovery

Hazlewood had initially sustained the hamstring injury last month while representing New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield. Early scans suggested no major concern, but subsequent tests confirmed the strain, ruling him out of the first two Ashes Tests.He was scheduled to rejoin the Australian squad in Brisbane this week to continue his rehabilitation process.

However, due to a surge in pain, that trip was cancelled, and he will remain in Sydney for rest and treatment — a move that significantly reduces his chances of featuring in the remaining matches.

Ashes Return Now Uncertain

Earlier expectations suggested Hazlewood might return for the third Test in Adelaide beginning December 17. He had already begun light bowling sessions with focus on red-ball rhythm. Yet, the fresh injury setback has once again thrown his comeback plans into uncertainty.

With the current prognosis, Hazlewood is unlikely to be available before the fourth Test, and if ruled out for the remainder of the series, it would mark the first time since his 2014 debut that he has missed an entire Ashes campaign.The Australian team management is expected to monitor his progress closely over the next fortnight before making a final decision on his participation.

For now, the fast bowler faces another frustrating wait to regain full fitness ahead of a crucial phase in Australia’s Test calendar.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar