Achilles soreness clouds Hazlewood's Ashes return

Josh Hazlewood, recovering from a hamstring injury, has developed "low-grade" soreness in his achilles, complicating his bid to return for the Ashes.

Hazlewood picked up the hamstring injury during a Sheffield Shield match. Cricket Australia says 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. "It is a low-grade issue and he is expected to recommence running and bowling next week."

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, ruling him out for 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.