Josh Hazlewood, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury, has developed "low-grade" soreness in his achilles,
further complicating his bid to return for the Ashes.
Hazlewood picked up the hamstring injury during a Sheffield Shield match and has been in rehabilitation since. Cricket
Australia, however, say he should be back to bowling next week.
"Josh Hazlewood reported achilles soreness this week during his rehabilitation from a recent hamstring injury," Cricket
Australia said in a statement on Friday (December 5). "It is a low-grade issue and he is expected to recommence running
It's been a frustrating couple of home summers for Hazlewood. Last year, he suffered a side strain in the opening Test
against India and missed the second Test in Adelaide. He returned for the third Test and then strained a calf, which
ruled him out the rest of the series.
Australia have also been without Pat Cummins for the first two Tests, with the captain touch-and-go for the ongoing
second Test in Brisbane. He is expected to be fit for the next Test where he should reunite with Mitchell Starc, who has
been leading the attack so far.