Josh Hazlewood to Undergo Scans; Assures his Availability for 2019 World Cup

One of Australia’s premier pace bowler, Josh Hazlewood has been on the sidelines since January starting; as he suffered the stress fracture on his back during the Sydney Test against India. As a result, he missed the home Tests against Sri Lanka and will also remain unavailable for India ODIs, and a short series against Pakistan in the UAE. Meanwhile, the quick will undergo scans on Friday; though he remains hopeful of having enough time to get fit for the 2019 World Cup.

I will begin the rehab soon – Hazlewood

Even in 2018, Josh suffered a fracture in the lower back area which kept him out for six months. This time, he said only after the results are out his lay-off period will be decided. Hazlewood further added the would the rehab in a few weeks in a bid to render fit for the mega event in England, and the winter Ashes to follow. He said,

“I think we’ll know a lot more after tomorrow, to be honest. Hopefully, in the coming weeks we’ll start working through it,” he said on Thursday.

“Hopefully it’s going along to plan. Everything feels fine so training’s coming along nicely, progressing every week. I think we’ll just work back from the World Cup really and make sure everything’s right for that, which gives me plenty of time.”

Not playing ODIs lately is a shame, says the pacer

The right-arm fast bowler has been his captain’s go-to-bowler in Tests, but when it comes to One-Day cricket, he is not among the regular starters. Though he featured for Australia in the finals of the 2015 World Cup against New Zealand, Josh has just made six appearances in ODIs since the 2017 Champions Trophy.

Expressing his thoughts on the same, the 28-year old said it is a bit of shame and frustrating that he hasn’t played too many ODIs in the past year or so.

“I haven’t played too much one-day cricket in the last 12 to 18 months which is a bit frustrating, a bit of a shame,” Hazlewood said. “We’ve got three games in Brisbane in May against New Zealand and then three in England once we get over there. That’s quite enough to be ready I think, so I’ll be happy with where I’m at,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Aussies will begin their title defence against Afghanistan on June 1 in Bristol.