The veteran fast bowler is in a race against time to play a role during the historic Test series after another injury speed bump during his return path to the bowling crease.
An Episode of Mixed Rehabilitation.
The recovery process has been frustratingly stop-start for the seasoned campaigner who had been making positive steps from a recent hamstring issue, which occurred during a Sheffield Shield match. He was scheduled to link up the national squad in Queensland earlier this week to continue his recovery but stayed in Sydney instead.
“Hazlewood felt soreness in his lower leg during his rehabilitation {from a recent hamstring injury|from the earlier muscle issue|,” an official confirmed. “It's not a serious problem, and he should resume his bowling program soon.”
First-Choice Attack Future Uncertain.
The selectors are confronting the possibility that their first-choice pace trio may not play together during this Ashes contest. Just days ago, he was training with his recovering teammate Pat Cummins recently.
Notably, he used a traditional red cricket ball, which differed from the pink ball, indicating his target was the upcoming match at Adelaide Oval. His participation for that Test is now less certain but updates are more positive about Cummins, who was considered in the second Test.
Selector's Update on Cummins and Lyon.
National selector 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 at the Adelaide Oval, but the Brisbane match came too soon.
“He was potentially available but with overs restrictions in place,” the selector explained. “Now he’s into that mode of intensive bowling preparation. It’s one of those ones where the longer [recovery] is better.”
The selector confirmed that off-spinner Nathan Lyon , would play at Adelaide Oval. With the captain set to team up with Starc, and presumably Scott Boland, the spots for fast bowlers like are up for discussion ahead of the third Test. Starc has been the mainstay of the bowling unit during the unavailability Hazlewood and Cummins, taking 16 wickets at an average of 11.75.
