Josh Hazlewood’s Ashes 2025-26 return delayed as he suffers Achilles injury

Josh Hazlewood has already missed the first two games of The Ashes 2025-26.

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood suffered Achilles pain early in his recuperation from a hamstring injury, severely hurting his chances of participating in the Ashes 2025–26.  

Hazlewood was supposed to travel to Brisbane to continue his recuperation with the Australian team, but those plans have since been canceled.

While playing for New South Wales versus Victoria, Hazlewood pulled his hamstring. The injury was not immediately visible on the first scan, which raised concerns about a possible tendon problem. Despite this, Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald, expressed optimism that he would still play later in the series.

“It is a low-grade issue”—CA gives update on Josh Hazlewood’s latest injury

Josh Hazlewood’s chances of playing in any of the remaining tests have been significantly diminished by his recent setback of having to increase his jogging and bowling workloads owing to Achilles inflammation.

“Josh Hazlewood reported Achilles soreness this week during his rehabilitation from a recent hamstring injury. It is a low-grade issue, and he is expected to recommence running and bowling next week,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

The third test of the series, which is set to take place in Adelaide on December 17, was not anticipated to be played by the right-arm seamer. He will now have to work quickly to recover in time for the last two games in Sydney and Melbourne.

Captain Pat Cummins has made impressive progress in his recuperation and was even scheduled to play in the current second Ashes Test in Brisbane, although the Australian team is still concerned about Hazlewood’s fitness.

Cummins had a chance to play in Brisbane, according to Australia’s top selector George Bailey, but he withdrew on the eve of the game because of the aftereffects of a back injury. He did, however, affirm that Cummins will be able to play in Adelaide.

“He could have played, but there would have been some restrictions around the overs. Now he’s into that mode where it’s back-to-back bowling days. It’s one of those where the longer [recovery] is better,” said Bailey.

This third Ashes 2025-26 Test will be played from December 17 at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide.

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