Hazlewood Ready for First Ashes Test Following Injury Clearance

Post by : Mara Rahim

In a sigh of relief for Australia, seasoned fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been confirmed fit after undergoing scans to assess a potential hamstring injury. The injury scare occurred during a Sheffield Shield match featuring New South Wales against Victoria at the SCG on Wednesday. Hazlewood reported tightness in his right hamstring, prompting the team to take him off as a preventive measure. Fortunately for the Australian side, the scans indicated no muscle strain, ensuring Hazlewood's participation in the imminent Ashes Test against England in Perth next week.

Positive Scan Results Brighten Team Spirits

Cricket Australia issued a statement delivering good news, mentioning that Hazlewood exited the field later in Victoria's innings due to tightness in his right hamstring. “He underwent precautionary scans which have ruled out any muscle strain,” the statement revealed. This update calmed the worries of Australian fans and players alike, who were anxious about further injury concerns prior to the prestigious Ashes series.

Further clarifying the situation, Cricket Australia confirmed Hazlewood would travel to Perth and align with the national squad as initially planned. “He will join the Australian squad as scheduled in Perth and will participate in training sessions leading up to the first Test,” the authorities elucidated. This confirmation solidifies Hazlewood's expected role in the pivotal match beginning on November 21 at Perth Stadium.

While Hazlewood received favorable results, his teammate Sean Abbott didn’t share the same fortune. Abbott, also named in the Test squad as a backup, encountered a moderate-grade hamstring injury during the same match. As announced by Cricket Australia, he is unavailable for the first Test, and a recovery plan will be formulated in the following weeks. Abbott’s absence poses challenges for Australia’s bowling resources during the outset of the series.

Cummins Ruled Out for Opener

Adding to their woes, Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins is already absent due to a back injury for the first Ashes Test. Hence, the pace attack for the opening match in Perth will likely consist of Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland. With Hazlewood's clearance, it's a significant boost to the team as they gear up for the challenge posed by England's aggressive batting.

Before exiting the field, Hazlewood bowled nine overs with impressive figures of 1-22. However, he opted not to bat in the second innings and was noted limping while shaking hands with players post-Victoria's win. Nevertheless, he remains in good spirits, as conveyed by Captain Pat Cummins. “He’s quite chipper after the scan,” Cummins mentioned, highlighting the team's cautious approach towards injuries, especially before a significant series like the Ashes.

Cummins Elaborates on Team's Caution

Speaking during a sponsorship event, Cummins shared the team's commitment to being certain about Hazlewood's condition before making decisions. “With a week left until the Test series, we prioritize caution. We needed clear answers before pushing forward and risking worsening anything,” he explained, reflecting the team's dedication to player well-being ahead of the rigorous Ashes schedule.

The eagerly anticipated Ashes series kicks off between Australia and England in Perth on November 21, followed by the second Test in Brisbane, and matches in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney around New Year’s. This series promises fierce competition, with both teams eager to establish dominance in this historic rivalry. For Australia, the emphasis will be on a robust start at home, and Hazlewood's recovery will be instrumental in fulfilling that ambition.

With Hazlewood cleared, Australia’s bowling line-up gets a vital boost, especially in light of Cummins' absence. The collaboration of Mitchell Starc's left-arm pace, Boland’s precision, and Hazlewood's reliability aims to secure an upper hand in home conditions. The team management will meticulously monitor Hazlewood’s training regime in Perth to ensure he’s fully prepared for the opening ball of the Ashes.