Cricket Australia confident of Josh Hazlewood's availability for winter tours amid reports of side soreness

Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood reportedly remains under the injury cloud ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final and the 2023 Ashes. A side soreness meant that the right-arm seamer flew home early from his IPL 2023 campaign, but the Australian board remains confident of his availability.

According to The Age, Cricket Australia revealed that the new-ball bowler departed from IPL 2023 early due to side soreness. But tests confirmed no sign of the same. The 33-year-old will continue to bowl to regain full fitness for a busy winter ahead.

The New South Wales seamer has struggled with side strain issues over the last two summers, forcing him to miss four Ashes Tests in the 2021-22 leg. He also sat out of three of the five Tests against West Indies and South Africa.

After his most recent Test against the Proteas at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), the veteran sustained an Achilles problem, rendering him unavailable for the Test series against India. He took three wickets in as many matches for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2023 IPL.

"Hazlewood is considered fit and available for the WTC and Ashes Series" - Cricket Australia

Josh Hazlewood. (Image Credits: Getty)

Nevertheless, a Cricket Australia spokesperson revealed that Hazlewood is fit for the grueling winter ahead, having returned to high-intensity bowling last week. As quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, the spokesperson said:

"Josh Hazlewood returned home from the IPL last weekend after experiencing minor side soreness after the completion of his most recent IPL match. After a brief and precautionary rest period, Hazlewood returned to high intensity bowling last week and will continue to increase his bowling workloads in preparation for the WTC and Ashes series. Hazlewood is considered fit and available for the WTC and Ashes Series."

The right-arm seamer has a formidable record with the red ball in England, taking 36 scalps in eight games at 23.58. If fit, he is likely to take the new ball with Mitchell Starc and form a three-pronged attack with Pat Cummins. Australia will leave for England for the WTC final on Friday.

They will look to capture the ultimate prize in the format and head to the Ashes with momentum.