Australia’s fast bowler Josh Hazlewood faces a challenging recovery timeline, with teammate Pat Cummins indicating that he may not be fit until the middle of the T20 World Cup. Hazlewood is experiencing ongoing issues with hamstring and Achilles injuries, leading him to miss the entire Ashes series against England.
Head coach Andrew McDonald initially believed Hazlewood would be available for the opening match against Ireland on February 11. However, Cummins’ recent comments suggest a more cautious approach to his return. “I caught up with Josh a couple of days ago, and he’s working so hard. I really feel for him; he has had a few setbacks,” Cummins shared with Nine Network, emphasizing Hazlewood’s dedication despite the challenges.
Cummins noted that while Hazlewood is putting in maximum effort to recover, it is unlikely he will be ready for the start of the tournament. Instead, there is hope that he could return around the halfway point.
The Australian team is currently dealing with several setbacks, including Mitchell Starc’s retirement from T20 and Cummins’ own absence due to back problems. This series of injuries leaves the squad in a precarious position as they prepare for the World Cup set to take place from February 7 to March 8. Following a heavy defeat to Pakistan, which resulted in a 3-0 series loss, Australia’s form is under scrutiny.
Cummins reflected on the challenges faced during the recent tour, indicating that the players’ late arrival after the domestic Big Bash League may have impacted performance. “It wasn’t the series we were hoping for. It’s always better when you’re winning, but they’ll shake that one off pretty quickly,” he stated.
While recovering from lumbar bone stress himself, Cummins has acknowledged the importance of managing his health ahead of what he describes as a significant year. “We wanted to give the back a little rest to make sure it’s right for what’s going to be a big rest of the year. It’s a minor setback; I should be right to go in a few weeks,” he mentioned.
Moving forward, Cummins aims to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming Indian Premier League, which is slated to begin on March 26.