Former Test captain Michael Clarke says Josh Hazlewood‘s short-term future is very much dependent on what happens later this week in the second Ashes Test.
The NSW quick is set to miss the match in Adelaide, after picking up a side strain during Australia’s crushing nine-wicket win at the Gabba.
But Clarke says should the Aussies come up short against England in the second tie it may force them into a rushed decision.
READ MORE: The Australian official at the centre of F1 title farce
READ MORE: Clubs fume at botched Champions League draw
READ MORE: Why Cummins outfoxed Root in Ashes opener
“If Australia win, I reckon he’ll definitely miss Boxing Day to be safe,” Clarke said on Big Sports Breakfast.
“If Australia lose, then you’re taking a big risk bringing him back a fraction early. [He] plays Boxing Day, it’s a belter, has to bowl 25 overs a day, redoes (the injury) and is out for the series.”
Western Australia paceman Jhye Richardson looks set to take Hazlewood’s spot in the team ahead of Michael Neser – but a call-up for this week could end up being an extended stay in the XI.
“They’re going to have be very careful,” Clarke said.
“They’re going to have make an educated decision. You’ve got doctors, physios, strength and conditioning. I think it will be taken out of Josh’s hands.”
If Hazlewood’s injury is minor, he may be fit to play on Boxing Day – but 2021 has presented some unique challenges in terms of match fitness.
“If it is a side strain they usually say 10 days (to recover) but the problem Josh has got, like the other quicks, he hasn’t got the bowling into his body because he’s been playing Twenty20 cricket for the last four or five months,” Clarke said.
“I’d imagine he wouldn’t be able to do anything for a week. Then he’s got to get bowling back into him as well.
“They probably will say, ‘you’re going to have to bowl 10 overs straight in the nets to prove your fitness’.
“What comes with that is the risk of redoing the side strain and being out for the whole series. It’s a really tough one.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!