Injured Aussie pacer Hazlewood hopes to be back for World Cup

Dubai [UAE]: Australia paceman Josh Hazlewood, who is suffering a back injury, is hopeful to return in time for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019, beginning May 30 in England and Wales.

Hazlewood has been rested since the Sydney Test against India in January when he re-aggravated a back stress fracture that had kept him out for six months last year.

“I think we will know a lot more after tomorrow (as follow-up scans will provide a clearer picture), to be honest. Hopefully, in the coming weeks, we will start working through it,” ICC quoted Hazlewood, as saying on Thursday.

“Hopefully, it is going along to plan. Everything feels fine, so training’s coming along nicely, progressing every week. I think we will just work back from the World Cup, really, and make sure everything’s right for that, which gives me plenty of time,” he said.

However, Hazlewood is confident that the warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup would be sufficient for him to get back in form.

“I have not played too much one-day cricket in the last 12 to 18 months, which is a bit frustrating, a bit of a shame. We have got three games in Brisbane in May against New Zealand, and then three in England once we get over there. That is quite enough to be ready, I think, so I will be happy with where I am at,” he said.

The much-awaited World Cup 2019 is slated to take place from May 30 to July 14 in England and Wales. Australia will kick off their campaign against Afghanistan on June 1 in Bristol.

[source_without_link]ANI[/source_without_link]