Josh Hazlewood provides colossal injury update and addresses rift rumors in Australian camp

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has dropped a major update on his injury after being ruled out of the ongoing second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India in Adelaide.

Hazlewood, who is sidelined due to a side strain, is optimistic about his recovery and hopes to be fit for the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, starting December 14. The Australian pacer further revealed that he is feeling much better, and the break has allowed him to focus on his recovery.

Josh Hazlewood confident of full recovery ahead of Gabba Test against India

Josh Hazlewood also mentioned that he has made good progress and is looking forward to returning to action during the ongoing Day-Night Test at the Adelaide Oval.

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Hazlewood also acknowledged that the side strain has been a recurring issue for him in recent years, but he is aiming to be fully ready to contribute in the upcoming third Test of the ongoing five-match Test series against India at home, as the star pacer continues to work on his fitness.

I’m looking to tick off a big one on day four: Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood was quoted as saying by Channel Seven: “The body is feeling pretty good. I mean, it’s a long gap between the Tests, so it’s given me a few more days to try and recover. I have ticked off a few boxes this week so far, and I’m looking to tick off a big one on day four—bowl a few spells throughout the day and see how it pulls up. So, fingers crossed for that day.”

He noted, “I had a little bowl on one of the main training days and was sort of just 70% then. So, yesterday I ticked off 80 to 90% at the nets and just kept building on that. I hope so; I hope so. The side’s been a bit of a niggle for me for a few years now. This is such a minor strain; I ticked a few boxes already and a few more to tick, so fingers crossed.”

Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood has also finally put to rest the rumors of a rift within the Australia cricket team after his comments sparked widespread speculation during the Perth Test. He had suggested that the responsibility of bridging India's lead was on the batters, not the bowlers.

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Josh Hazlewood dismisses rift speculation, affirms strong team unity in Australia camp

This statement sparked a flurry of reactions from fans and cricket experts, speculating about possible tension and rift in the Australian camp. However, Hazlewood wasted no time in setting things straight, emphasizing that the current Aussie team is the most unified he has ever been a part of.

Furthermore, the star pacer explained that his words were misinterpreted and reaffirmed that there’s no divide in the team, only a shared understanding and mutual respect among the players. He expressed confidence that the Australia squad is stronger than ever and fully committed to their goal.

Hazlewood signed off by saying, “This is probably the tightest team I’ve been a part of in my whole career. We know each other inside out. I think (my quotes) were taken a little bit out of context. It’s probably like asking an opening batter about trying to take 10 wickets the next day.”