Australia's Ashes squad bolstered as Josh Hazlewood returns to training
What's the story
In a major boost for Australia, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has returned to training as he recovers from a hamstring injury, as per ESPNcricinfo. The injury had kept him out of the first Ashes Test in Perth. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins was also seen bowling with a pink ball as he continues his rehabilitation from a back injury ahead of the Day-Night Test at The Gabba, starting on December 4.
Training update
Hazlewood's training session and future plans
Hazlewood and Cummins trained at Cricket Central in Sydney while New South Wales played their Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania. Hazlewood was seen bowling with a red ball, indicating his immediate focus on recovery. He is unlikely to be available for the Gabba Test but could make a comeback for Adelaide, which has switched back to a day Test this year.
Coach's assurance
Coach McDonald confident about Hazlewood's return
Australia coach Andrew McDonald has expressed confidence that Hazlewood will be available later in the Ashes series. "I know that he'll be available at some point during the series," he said. "We've got a little bit of that early rehab to go through to formulate where he may plug into the series, but we expect him to take some part in the series."
Rehabilitation update
Cummins making progress in rehabilitation
Cummins has been making good progress with his bowling in recent weeks. He looked impressive during the nets in Perth ahead of the opening Test. However, selectors want to be fully confident that he can handle the workloads required for a Test match. "It looked like a player that was nearing the completion of his rehabilitation," McDonald said about Cummins's performance during training sessions.
Series outlook
Ashes series schedule and potential player options
The first three Tests of the Ashes series are well spaced out, with an 11-day gap between the first and second. However, from Adelaide onwards, the schedule becomes more condensed. In the current round of Sheffield Shield matches, Xavier Bartlett impressed with both bat and ball for Queensland against Victoria. Australia may not need further pace reinforcement during the Ashes if Cummins and Hazlewood are available.