Why these photos will have Aussie cricket fans breathing a sigh of relief

1 hour ago 7
  • Second Test in Brisbane begins on December 4

By ANDREW PRENTICE, SPORTS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA

Published: 04:52 GMT, 25 November 2025 | Updated: 04:53 GMT, 25 November 2025

They are the photos that will delight Aussie cricket fans – and leave English supporters terrified ahead of the second Ashes Test – dynamic duo Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood both back bowling.

Cummins was spotted on Tuesday in the nets at Cricket NSW's headquarters at Sydney Olympic Park.

And in what could be a telling sign, the 32-year-old was seen clutching a pink ball, which will be used in the day-night Test at the Gabba in Brisbane come December 4.

Joining Aussie Test captain Cummins was Hazlewood, who is being nursed back to full fitness after failing to finish the NSW Blues' recent Sheffield Shield match against Victoria due to a hamstring issue.

The sight of Hazlewood sending down a few deliveries will also quash fears the paceman, 34, was set to miss the entire Ashes series due to injury.

Following the epic first Test triumph in Perth, it was reported Hazlewood's hamstring issue could actually be a tendon problem.

Josh Hazlewood is pictured bowling on Tuesday after a rumour spread that his hamstring injury could keep him off the field for the entire Ashes series 

The sight of Hazlewood sending down a few deliveries has raised hopes for his return

Cummins was spotted on Tuesday in the nets at Cricket NSW's headquarters at Sydney Olympic Park, using the pink ball that will feature in the second Test in Brisbane

In what could be a telling sign, Cummins was seen clutching a pink ball, which will be used in the day-night Test at the Gabba in Brisbane come December 4

Journalist Peter Lalor, who writes for Cricket Et Al with fellow scribe Gideon Haigh, echoed the tendon news on Channel Seven's post-match analysis from Optus Stadium.

'If these whispers I'm hearing about Hazlewood are right, you're not going to see him again,' Lalor said.

'If the worst comes to fruition, we might not see him again in this series.'

It comes as Aussie coach Andrew McDonald anticipates the medium-pace bowler will play a role in the series.

'I don't know where that speculation began, that's not the information I have,' he said.

'He's working through his rehab, and once he gets further down the track and we start to have some rough timelines ... then we'll be in a position to communicate that (return).

'I know that he'll be available at some point.'

During his decorated Test career, Hazlewood has snared 295 wickets.

Australia won the thrilling first Test in Perth by eight wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

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