Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has made it clear he still plans to pursue his Test career despite missing the entire 2025-26 Ashes series due to injury setbacks. The 34-year-old paceman’s absence from the Ashes — caused by a combination of a hamstring strain picked up on the eve of the series and subsequent Achilles trouble — ended up ruling him out of all five Tests. But Hazlewood insists the disappointment of missing the historic rivalry won’t be the end of his career in red-ball cricket.
Hazlewood told The Daily Telegraph in Sydney that, although being sidelined was frustrating, he still feels physically capable and mentally motivated to represent Australia across all formats of the game, including Tests. “My body still feels as strong as ever,” he said, acknowledging there will be “little things here and there that creep in” with age and injury, but emphasising that he still enjoys the demands and challenge of Test, One Day and T20 cricket.
He noted that missing matches — even entire series — is an unfortunate reality for fast bowlers. Hazlewood said that “you’re still going to miss the odd game here and there,” and that the key for him is to stay focused on rehabilitation, fitness and preparation so that when opportunities arise, he can perform at his best. The veteran also said playing across formats keeps his cricket stimulating and fresh, helping him maintain enthusiasm for the sport.
Having been ruled out of the last three Ashes Tests, Hazlewood is now concentrating on regaining full fitness in time for Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign in India and Sri Lanka early next year, but his comments underline that red-ball cricket remains very much part of his plans.
Hazlewood’s decision to stay committed to Test cricket comes at a time when several senior Australian players — including other frontline quicks — have recently battled injuries or faced questions about longevity at the highest level. But his determination to return to Test action highlights both his personal resilience and Australia’s continuing reliance on experienced pace bowlers to spearhead their attack across formats.
Summary: Despite the setback of missing the Ashes due to injury, Josh Hazlewood has reiterated his intention to continue his Test career, balancing his rehabilitation with ambitions to contribute to Australia in all formats, and aiming to regain full match fitness ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
