Josh Hazlewood suffers fresh injury setback as chances of playing in Ashes fade further

New Delhi: Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood is doubtful for the remainder of the Ashes 2025-26 after suffering a fresh injury blow during his hamstring rehabilitation. The 34-year-old fast bowler, who was already ruled out of the first two Tests after picking up a hamstring injury while playing for Victoria last month, is unlikely to feature in the five-match series against England.

According to The Age, Hazlewood was set to join the Australian squad in Brisbane to continue his rehab, but his trip has been cancelled after the bowler complained of Achilles soreness. He will continue to stay in Sydney.

England and Australia are currently facing off in the Day-Night Test in Brisbane. The third Test begins on December 17 in Adelaide.

"Josh Hazlewood reported achilles soreness this week during his rehabilitation from recent hamstring injury," said a statement from Cricket Australia. "It is a low-grade issue and he is expected to recommence running and bowling next week."

Aussies have been dealing with multiple injury issues even before the start of the series. Skipper Pat Cummins was ruled out of the first two Tests in Perth and Brisbane due to a back injury. His chances of playing in the Adelaide Test are very good, but everything depends on the training and rehab process in the coming days.

Usman Khawaja didn't open in both innings in Perth due to a back injury, then missed the ongoing pink-ball Test at the Gabba after complaining of soreness in training.

If Hazlewood misses all the Tests in the series, it would be the first time since his debut in 2014 that the tall speedster would be sitting out of a five-game series entirely.

Despite missing two of their frontline pacers, Australia comfortably won the series opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth.