Australia’s pace attack is under pressure ahead of the Ashes as Josh Hazlewood battles Achilles soreness during his return from a hamstring injury, creating uncertainty over his Adelaide Test participation.

George Bailey confirmed Pat Cummins’ fitness for Adelaide and noted his recent readiness for consecutive bowling days as part of the recovery process.

With Cummins still sidelined by a back injury, Australia reshuffled the attack, bringing in Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett to replace Cummins and Hazlewood, and adding Michael Neser for Nathan Lyon.

Stand-in captain Steve Smith weighed tactical options for the batting order under lights, while stressing the need for risk management around recalled players.

Australia leads England by 125 runs in the second Test after England were dismissed for 334, with standout contributions from Jake Weatherald (72) and Marnus Labuschagne with a half-century.

Mitchell Starc has shouldered the pace workload in the absences of Hazlewood and Cummins, taking 16 wickets at an average of 11.75, underscoring his central role.

Starc remains Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the series amid the pace unit’s fragility and the push for Hazlewood’s return.

Cummins voiced optimism about his Adelaide comeback, emphasizing risk assessment and readiness over rushing back.

Overall, the pace unit’s fragility and the tight timeline for Hazlewood’s return loom large, though Cummins’ return offers relief and shifts in selection dynamics.

The Ashes series context remains precarious for Australia as they navigate multiple injuries while aiming to retain the urn against England.

Usman Khawaja showed daily improvement from a back issue and indicated he is getting closer to returning to action.

There is ongoing uncertainty about Khawaja’s full availability for the remainder of the Ashes, depending on recovery progress.

Nathan Lyon is set to play in Adelaide, providing a spin option alongside the pace attack after being left out of the second Test.