Is Hazlewood out of Ashes? Andrew McDonald reacts to reports
What's the story
Australian cricket team head coach Andrew McDonald has provided an update on the fitness of fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. He clarified that Hazlewood hasn't been ruled out of the Ashes series, contrary to what many reports suggested. Cummins missed the first Test against England in Perth due to a persistent lower back issue, while Hazlewood suffered a hamstring injury during a recent Sheffield Shield match at SCG.
Training assessment
Cummins's training session to determine availability
McDonald said Australia will know more about Cummins's availability for the second Test in Brisbane after his training session in Sydney on Tuesday. "Once we see him, we'll be able to then join the dots as to what that potentially looks like," McDonald said as per ESPNcricinfo. Last week, Cummins bowled twice while training with the Australian squad in Perth, a promising sign ahead of the pink-ball Test at Gabba, starting on December 4.
Rehab update
Hazlewood's rehabilitation progress and Ashes participation
McDonald denied rumors that Hazlewood would miss the entire Ashes series, saying "that's not the information I have." He added that Hazlewood is currently in his first week of rehab. "I don't know where that speculation began, but he's working through the first week of his rehab," McDonald said. The coach also emphasized that they won't rush any decisions regarding players' fitness or availability for upcoming matches.
Injury evaluation
Khawaja's back injury assessment ahead of Brisbane Test
McDonald has also hinted that Usman Khawaja's back injury might be "more serious" than initially thought. Team medics will assess the veteran opener's fitness ahead of the Brisbane Test. During the first Test in Perth, Khawaja left the field due to worsening back spasms and wasn't allowed to open batting on day one or bat in second innings. Travis Head opened the batting in the run chase, where he scored 123 off just 83 balls.