Hazlewood and Cummins Gear Up for the Ashes

Post by : Mara Rahim

Good news for Australia as Josh Hazlewood was spotted back in the nets on Tuesday, making strides in his recovery from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the opening Ashes Test in Perth. His return is a significant reinforcement for the Australian pace attack as the squad aims to solidify its bowling lineup for the rest of the series.

At the same time, Pat Cummins was observed practicing with a pink ball at Cricket Central in Sydney as he continues to mend from a back injury. Cummins is focused on participating in the day-night Ashes Test at the Gabba, gradually increasing his fitness levels under vigilant supervision. Both players undertook training while New South Wales faced Tasmania in their Sheffield Shield match.

Hazlewood practiced with a red ball, signaling his immediate aim is on technique and recovery. He is projected not to play at the Gabba, with Adelaide likely being his return point for the day Test. Australia coach Andrew McDonald expressed optimism regarding Hazlewood's readiness during the series. “I’m confident he’ll be available at some stage,” said McDonald. “There’s still early rehabilitation to complete, but we expect him to participate as the series unfolds.”

Cummins has made significant strides, showing promise during net sessions in Perth before the series began. McDonald emphasized the importance of building resilience in Cummins’ back while sustaining his bowling intensity. The selectors will evaluate Cummins’ capability to handle the demands of Test cricket, acknowledging that current matches may not fully go the distance.

The Ashes calendar features well-timed early Tests, but intervals shorten as the series progresses. Following Adelaide, only four days will separate the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne from the New Year’s Test in Sydney, contingent on matches extending to five days. The inclusion of the pink ball for the Brisbane Test introduces an extra challenge, promising fast-paced and intense gameplay.

Recent matches in the Sheffield Shield highlighted the swift nature of results, with ten wickets falling in a single night session between Queensland and Victoria. Young bowler Xavier Bartlett stood out with figures of 4 for 35 in the second innings while also scoring a career-best 72, establishing himself as a potential pace option alongside Hazlewood and Cummins. Michael Neser remains an available bowler with experience in pink-ball encounters.

Selectors are also eyeing Jhye Richardson for a return later in the series following his shoulder surgery. Recently, he bowled 20 overs for the Cricket Australia XI against England Lions at Lilac Hill and is set to play for Australia A next week in Brisbane. Richardson stated that the session was crucial for his physical conditioning. “My shoulder feels great, and it’s all part of the journey to prepare for four and five-day matches,” he remarked.

With the anticipated returns of Hazlewood, Cummins, and potentially Richardson, Australia’s pace attack seems well-prepared to face England in the remaining Ashes Tests. The ongoing focus on training, recovery, and managing workloads aims to provide a robust bowling unit while mitigating injury risks.

The team continues to work on fitness and tactical preparedness, instilling hope among Australian fans for a competitive and balanced side during the Ashes series.