Post by : Maya Rahman

Australia is buoyed by Josh Hazlewood’s return to the nets this Tuesday, marking his progress from a hamstring injury that sidelined him from the opening Ashes Test in Perth. This is a significant lift for the Aussie pace lineup as they aim to enhance their bowling strength for the upcoming matches in the series.

On another note, Pat Cummins has been spotted bowling with a pink ball at Cricket Central in Sydney, as he works on recovery from a back injury. Cummins is targeting participation in the day-night Ashes Test at the Gabba, focusing on gradually boosting his fitness levels under careful observation. Both athletes were seen training while New South Wales engaged in their Sheffield Shield matchup against Tasmania.

Hazlewood was using a red ball during practice, emphasizing his immediate priority of fitness and technique enhancement. It’s anticipated that he won’t feature in the Gabba Test, with Adelaide now viewed as a realistic return point. Australian coach Andrew McDonald expressed confidence in Hazlewood’s capacity to participate later in the series. “I’m certain he’ll be ready at some stage,” McDonald stated. “We have some preliminary rehabilitation to manage, but we expect his return for the series.”

Cummins has shown significant improvement, demonstrating his skills during net sessions in Perth prior to the first Test. McDonald highlighted that the current focus is on strengthening Cummins’ back while ensuring sustained bowling intensity. The selectors will closely monitor Cummins’ ability to handle the demands of Test cricket, particularly since some matches may not last the complete five days.

The Ashes timetable features well-distributed early Tests, but the intervals become shorter as the series progresses. Following Adelaide, there are merely four days between the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the New Year’s Test in Sydney, should matches extend to the full five days. The additional layer of a day-night match in Brisbane presents its own challenges, as the pink ball typically results in fast-paced, high-energy sessions.

In recent Sheffield Shield encounters, teams saw multiple wickets tumble during a single night session, indicating the rapidity at which outcomes can unfold under lights. Young bowler Xavier Bartlett impressed with 4 for 35 in the second innings and added a personal best of 72 runs, showcasing his potential as an extra pace option if both Hazlewood and Cummins participate. Michael Neser stands by as a seasoned backup with experience in pink-ball Tests.

Selectors are also optimistic about Jhye Richardson making a comeback later in the series after undergoing shoulder surgery. He recently delivered 20 overs for the Cricket Australia XI against the England Lions at Lilac Hill and is set to play for Australia A in Brisbane next week. Richardson noted the importance of this practice session, stating, “The shoulder feels great, and it’s essential for my physical readiness for four and five-day cricket.”

With the potential return of Hazlewood, Cummins, and possibly Richardson, Australia’s pace attack appears well-set to contest England in the remaining Ashes matches. The blend of recovery, training, and methodical workload management assures that Australia can present a robust bowling team while minimizing injury risks.

The focus remains on enhancing fitness, match preparation, and tactical readiness, instilling optimism among Australian supporters for a competitive and well-rounded squad in the Ashes series.

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