The veteran fast bowler is in a race against time to play a role during the historic Test series following a new fitness concern during his return path to full fitness.
A Story of One Step Forward, Two Steps Back.
His return has been marked by setbacks for the 34-year-old paceman who was showing encouraging signs in his return from a hamstring injury, sustained while playing for NSW. Plans were for him to meet the national squad in Queensland last week to continue his recovery electing to stay in Sydney.
“Hazlewood felt soreness in his lower leg during his rehabilitation {from a recent hamstring injury|from the earlier muscle issue|,” a team spokesperson stated. “It's not a serious problem, and he is expected to recommence his bowling program soon.”
Dream Pace Trio Future Uncertain.
The team management is dealing with the prospect that their first-choice pace trio of Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc this series. Hazlewood had been running and bowling at practice sessions in a positive sign.
His sessions involved the red ball, rather than the pink variant, in a sign he was pushing for the next fixture starting on 17 December. His participation for that Test is now less certain but updates are more positive on Cummins who was close to playing for the Brisbane match.
Team Management's View on Cummins and Lyon.
National selector George Bailey said Cummins was close to selection, only withdrawing on match eve because of the ongoing effects {of a back injury|from a back complaint|. He assured that Cummins will be ready to play in Adelaide, with the second Test timeline being too aggressive.
“Selection was an option but there would’ve been some restrictions,” Bailey said. “He is now undergoing of consecutive bowling workloads. This is a situation where more time is beneficial.”
The selector confirmed that off-spinner Nathan Lyon , who was omitted in Brisbane. With Cummins to join Starc, and presumably Scott Boland, the spots for fast bowlers like Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser for the Adelaide fixture. The left-armer has been the cornerstone of the pace attack without of his two esteemed colleagues, claiming 16 scalps with a remarkable average.