Hazlewood starts Ashes comeback trail with two wickets

Josh Hazlewood has made a successful return to action four months since injuring his Achilles during the Sydney Test in January.

The 32-year-old quick bowled three excellent overs in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s defeat of Lucknow Super Giants, helping to defend a target of just 127 in the Indian Premier League.

Hazlewood has been working with Cricket Australia medics on a recuperation programme designed to get him on the pitch for the World Test Championship final against India at The Oval on June 7, and the subsequent Ashes series.

Monday’s T20 was a significant step on that road.

Bowling in the power play and a ‘death over’ he took 2-15 as LSG were bowled out for 108, 18 runs short.

“It has been a long while,” Hazlewood said of his four-month lay-off. “I was excited more than nervous. It is great to be back here, in front of some good fans.”

AAP (C) 2023

Josh Hazlewood (r) celebrates the wicket of Ravi Bishnoi with Virat Kohli and Faf du PLessis (13). (AP PHOTO)