Josh Hazlewood expected to be fit for the ICC WTC final vs India and Ashes 2023

Josh Hazlewood missed out on most of the IPL 2023 with achilles heel injury.

Australia had a big injury scare as their star pacer Josh Hazlewood missed out on most of the action in the IPL 2023. In a piece of good news to Australia just two weeks before the World Test Championship final against India at The Oval, Hazlewood is expected to be fit and ready for a comeback. After playing just three games for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Josh Hazlewood went back to his home in Australia citing ‘minor side soreness’. He also missed the starting phase of the IPL 2023 due to an injury. The Australian pacer could only play 3 IPL games for Royal Challengers Bangalore. 

Important next two months for Australia

The X-factor in the Australian setup, Josh Hazlewood flew back to Australia just before RCB's last game against Gujarat Titans at M. Chinnaswamy. He underwent a scan and has been cleared with no serious injury complications and will be fit till WTC final commences. He has been advised to take precautionary rest for a brief period. Cricket Australia in a statement said, “Josh Hazlewood returned home from the IPL last weekend… After a brief precautionary period he returned to high-intensity bowling… Hazlewood is considered fit and available for WTC final and Ashes”. Australia will also play the Ashes after the WTC final. 

Josh Hazlewood has been suffering from multiple injury issues for the last two years. Hazlewood is an important player for Australia. They have important upcoming two months in their cricketing schedule. The World Test Championship final will start on 7th June, soon after a week the Ashes will commence from 16th June at Edgbaston in Birmingham. England have been going strong as a unit in the longer format of the game. Australia are currently the Ashes holders with a 4-0 win in the 2021 edition in Down Under.