Hazlewood "spotted bowling" in positive development

Just days after his entire Ashes series appeared in major doubt, there has been a positive development surrounding Josh Hazlewood.

The veteran quick was ruled out of last week’s first Test against England after injuring his hamstring in a Sheffield Shield game for New South Wales recently.

It was suggested that perhaps Hazlewood, 34, could be sidelined for the remainder of the series but there is some good news.

The Sydney Morning Herald’s chief cricket writer Tom Decent is reporting that Hazlewood was seen bowling in Sydney on Tuesday.

“Josh Hazlewood was spotted bowling today in Sydney with a red ball,” Decent said on SEN Afternoons.

“Very interesting given there had been some whispers and speculation that his position in the team might have been cooked for the summer.

“Very unclear as to a timeline regarding him obviously since pulling out of that Shield game against the Vics.

“Down at Cricket New South Wales headquarters today Josh Hazlewood was bowling, not at full pace clearly, but rolling the arm over with a red ball alongside skipper Pat Cummins with the pink ball.

“Make of that what you will.”

Decent says it is highly unlikely that Hazlewood will return for the Gabba Test next Thursday but could potentially be considered for the third Test in Adelaide on December 17 or the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

He was also intrigued by skipper Cummins who also missed the first Test due to a back stress injury.

“There’s pictures of him (Hazlewood) bowling which is a positive sign,” he added.

“He’s very unlikely for Brisbane and I’m not sure on Adelaide etcetera, but the fact that he is back bowling is a surprise.

“And Pat Cummins was bowling with the pink ball as well. Maybe that’s a little clue.”

Hazlewood doubt

SEN’s Tom Morris reported on Sunday evening that Hazlewod could be out for the entire series.

It was believed that the injury itself was worse than first thought which created plenty of doubt.

Initially, the New South Welshman appeared fine to play in Perth after initial scans showed he was clear of any muscle strain following his Sheffield Shield match against Victoria.

But it was confirmed just a week out from the opening Test that Hazlewood had been sidelined.

The positive developments reported by Decent suggest Hazlewood could yet return in this Ashes against England.

Australia has a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after winning by eight wickets in Perth with Mitch Starc taking 10 wickets for the match and Travis Head smashing a century in the second innings.