Overview
- Cricket Australia said he reported Achilles soreness during hamstring rehab and described it as low grade, with running and bowling expected to resume next week.
- The plan for Hazlewood to link up with the Test squad in Brisbane was abandoned, keeping him on a solo program in Sydney.
- Already out of the first two Tests, he is now a major doubt for Adelaide on December 17, with Melbourne or Sydney viewed as more realistic options by reports.
- The development extends a pattern of secondary issues—calf, Achilles and side strains—disrupting his availability after primary injuries in recent seasons.
- Australia’s pace depth is under strain with Sean Abbott sidelined and Pat Cummins held back until Adelaide, increasing the load on Mitchell Starc.