Josh Hazlewood doubtful for remainder of Ashes 2025-26 amid injury concerns

Veteran Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood’s participation in the ongoing Ashes series has become uncertain after he picked up a new low-grade Achilles injury. The setback has raised fresh doubts about whether the pacer will be available for selection in the remaining matches of the Test series on home soil.

Hazlewood was unavailable for selection for the first two Tests of the Ashes 2025-26 series. The 34-year-old had suffered a hamstring problem during a Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Victoria while preparing for the Ashes. He took 14 wickets in three Tests against the West Indies in July.

Josh Hazlewood Suffers Low-Grade Achilles Injury Ahead of Third Test

Josh Hazlewood had been expected to join the Australian squad in Brisbane to continue his rehabilitation. However, the plan was cancelled after he picked up a new low-grade Achilles injury. The fast bowler will remain in Sydney while he recovers.

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Cricket Australia has not yet provided a clear timeline for his return, and the seriousness of the setback is still uncertain. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, he may resume bowling next week, but doubts remain over his availability for the upcoming matches.

With the third Test starting on December 17, there is growing concern that Hazlewood may not be fit in time and might only return for the Boxing Day Test or even later in the series.

Josh Hazlewood’s Achilles Injury Raises Concerns

Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday that Josh Hazlewood has developed Achilles soreness while recovering from a recent hamstring injury. However, officials expect Hazlewood to resume running and bowling sometime next week as part of his rehabilitation.

“Josh Hazlewood reported Achilles soreness this week during his rehabilitation from a recent hamstring injury,” a CA spokesperson said in a statement. “It is a low-grade issue, and he is expected to recommence running and bowling next week.”

Hazlewood may miss at least the Boxing Day Test, depending on his Achilles injury. The right-arm fast bowler has been struggling with injuries in recent years. He has missed seven Tests since early 2024, including Achilles-related problems.

Josh Hazlewood Doubtful for Remainder of Ashes Amid Injury Concerns

Hazlewood could miss the remainder of the Ashes. He has battled multiple fitness setbacks in recent years, including a calf issue that ruled him out of most of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last season. The pacer has taken 295 wickets in 76 Tests at an average of 24.21.

Australia won the first Test, with Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc leading the bowling attack. They are also without captain Pat Cummins, who is recovering from a back injury. In 2023, an Achilles injury kept Hazlewood out of cricket for four months and caused him to miss the India Test series.

His recovery timeline remains uncertain, which has also left Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) concerned. Hazlewood often takes longer than expected to return from Achilles injuries. However, his main focus is regaining fitness in time to take part in the ongoing Ashes series.

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