Josh Hazlewood Cleared for the WTC Final
Josh Hazlewood, the renowned Australian fast bowler, has been declared fit and ready to play in the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final against India and the upcoming Ashes series against England. Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the news on Monday, providing a sigh of relief to fans and the Australian cricket team.
Hazlewood, aged 32, had returned to Australia after experiencing some minor side soreness following his participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. This raised concerns about his availability for the crucial international fixtures that lie ahead. However, after a brief rest period and precautionary measures, Hazlewood resumed high-intensity bowling last week.
Details on Hazlewood’s Disappearance
CA released a statement, saying, “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.”
Further scans revealed no significant damage, allowing Hazlewood to rejoin the Australian squad and participate in their upcoming campaign. The speedster played three games for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, bowling a total of nine overs. However, his team was eliminated from the tournament by the Gujarat Titans in a six-wicket loss in Bengaluru on Sunday night.
Josh Hazlewood’s return to the Australian lineup brings with it a wealth of experience and skill. Known for his accuracy and often compared to the legendary Glenn McGrath, his presence will undoubtedly boost the Australian bowling attack.
Significance of Hazlewood’s Return
Facing formidable Indian batsmen such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Cheteshwar Pujara in the WTC final at the Oval in London from June 7-11, Hazlewood’s expertise will be vital for the Australian team’s chances of victory.
Over the past two years, Hazlewood has faced numerous injury challenges. He underwent a four-month break from bowling to recover from an Achilles issue that he sustained during the Sydney Test in January. He has also missed games due to side strains during the previous two home Test summers.
Therefore, his successful return to cricket during the IPL was a significant milestone for him, even though he joined the tournament halfway through and had limited game time.
What to Expect with the WTC Final
Hazlewood’s presence in the Australian lineup for the WTC final and the Ashes series will undoubtedly strengthen the team’s chances of success. As the battles between Australia, India, and England draw near, cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the thrilling clashes that lie ahead.
The World Test Championship final is scheduled to commence shortly after the highly anticipated Ashes series will kick off on the 16th of June at Edgbaston in Birmingham. England’s team has been displaying remarkable strength and unity in the longer format of the game. Australia, on the other hand, holds the Ashes title after their dominant 4-0 victory in the 2021 edition held Down Under.
With Hazlewood’s return, the stage is set for an exhilarating display of skill, determination, and fierce competition on the cricket field.
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