Injured Josh Hazlewood to miss entire Ashes series: Report
What's the story
Australia's star fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood, is likely to miss the remainder of the Ashes series owing to a hamstring injury. Hazlewood sustained the injury two weeks ago during a Sheffield Shield match against Victoria. Initially thought to be minor, the severity of Hazlewood's condition has now been revealed as worse than first anticipated.
Injury impact
Hazlewood's injury impacts Australia's Ashes campaign
Hazlewood's injury has already impacted Australia's performance in the ongoing Ashes series. He was ruled out of the first Test, which was a major setback for the team, especially with another star player Pat Cummins also missing due to a back injury. If Hazlewood's condition is as serious as some reports suggest, he may not return for the rest of this series. Notably, Australia won the series opener in Perth.
Statement
Whispers about Hazlewood's status
Veteran cricket reporter Peter Lalor stated that the Hazlewood's situation may be more serious than Cricket Australia has publicly confirmed. "If these whispers I'm hearing about Hazlewood are right, we're not gonna see him again for the rest of the series if the worst comes to fruition," Lalor stated while speaking on Cricket 7. It is indeed a massive blow as Hazlewood is a veteran of 295 Test wickets at 24.21.
Past injuries
Hazlewood's injury history and Australia's summer woes
If Hazlewood misses the rest of the Ashes series, it will be his second consecutive Australian summer marred by injury. Last season, he missed most of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to a calf issue. He also played just one match in the 2021-22 Ashes series. However, there is some good news for Australia as captain Cummins is said to be nearing full fitness and may return for the second Test at Gabba on December 4.