Hazlewood ready for Ashes rigours
SYDNEY: Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood says he is fit and ready for the Ashes series against England after taking six wickets and coming through a Sheffield Shield match unscathed.
The 26-year-old was forced to return from Bangladesh following the first Test after picking up a side strain that also ruled him out of a subsequent limited-overs tour of India. Hazlewood showed his injury problems are behind him with a satisfying performance for New South Wales against Western Australia earlier this week and he has been taken out of the team for next week’s match against Queensland.
He will instead train as part of Australia’s Test attack of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Jackson Bird in Brisbane to prepare for the opening Ashes Test from Nov 23. “Things went well the whole game,” Hazlewood said. “From ball one I was pretty surprised with how well the ball was coming out, how good the run-up felt, how good everything (was) in general. I’m happy with where it’s at now so I don’t think there’s a need to play another game.”
COULTER-NILE BREAKS DOWN, MAY MISS ASHES
Fast bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile could miss the Ashes series after breaking down with another back injury. He was expected to be among four quick bowlers selected in the hosts’ squad for the first Test but has been ruled out for an indeterminate period.
WOAKES TAKES FOUR WICKETS
ADELAIDE: Cricket Australia XI were 70 for seven and trailing England by 197 runs at close of the third day in the four day-night game Friday. England, who were dismissed for 207 in their second innings, hit back with Chris Woakes taking four for 17.