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Josh Hazlewood, the Australian pacer, has provided reassurance regarding his long-term fitness after being ruled out of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India at The Oval.
The 32-year-old is currently recovering from a side issue that forced him to curtail his participation in the Indian Premier League. This injury is part of a series of setbacks that have restricted him to playing in only four test matches since January 2021.
By addressing concerns about his long-term fitness, Hazlewood aims to alleviate any fears regarding his ability to make a full recovery. The side issue has temporarily sidelined him from the crucial WTC final, but it appears that he is confident about his future prospects. Hazlewood’s statement suggests that he is focused on recuperating and regaining his fitness to resume playing cricket at the highest level.
Hazlewood’s commitment to rehabilitation and his determination to overcome his injury setbacks will be key factors in his successful return to the field. Cricket fans and Hazlewood’s teammates will undoubtedly be eager to see him back in action and contributing to Australia’s future matches.
“I am not playing test matches, but I am still bowling for close to 50 weeks of the year,” Hazlewood told Australian Associated Press (AAP).
“That’s the frustrating bit. Just bowling in the past week or so here in England, it feels a bit easier.
“You have a nice Dukes ball, there is a bit doing, you don’t have to break your back every ball like you do in India or Australia or somewhere else.
“Hopefully that plays into my hands a little bit.”
Michael Neser has been called into the Australia squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final after Josh Hazlewood failed a fitness test. However, it is widely expected that Scott Boland will be the third paceman in the team when the match begins on Wednesday.
Head selector George Bailey mentioned that Hazlewood was very close to being selected for the WTC final, indicating that he might still be in contention for the opening Ashes test at Edgbaston, which starts on June 16.
Hazlewood acknowledged that he is adopting a cautious approach to his side’s injury, considering the upcoming six-test tour of England. Despite his injury setbacks, he did not rule out the possibility of being part of Australia’s next Ashes tour of England in 2027.
This information highlights the selectors’ consideration of Hazlewood’s fitness and the potential for his inclusion in future matches, indicating their confidence in his abilities as a key member of the Australian bowling attack.
“You can get caught out a bit if you think too far ahead and where you will be in four years,” said Hazlewood, who has taken 222 wickets in 59 tests since his debut in 2014.
“I could still be playing then, I might not be. Being a fast bowler, not many walk off the field by their own choice. A lot of the time it comes through injury or your body has had enough.
“Sometimes it hits you at 33, 34, 35 or 36. It could be any time.”
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