Last Updated on 30 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
Josh Hazlewood is set to play his first ODI since October 2025, with the pace bowler in line for a return in the second One Day International (ODI) against Zimbabwe in Harare.
Hazlewood was rested for the series opener on Tuesday, with Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson selected. Ellis was the star on the bowling front, stopping Zimbabwe in their tracks on numerous occasions when the hosts had hope of building momentum.
Josh Hazlewood expected to play 2nd ODI against Zimbabwe
According to Cricinfo’s Alex Malcolm, Hazlewood is likely to return and replace Spencer Johnson. Johnson has only recently returned to action following a stress fracture in his back, which makes back-to-back matches an unlikely proposition.
Hazlewood, who has 142 wickets at an average of 27.66 and economy of 4.73, has played 11 ODIs since the 2023 World Cup Final. He has struggled with injuries and Australia have also played fewer matches due to Test matches and two T20 World Cups in this period.
Elsewhere, Cameron Green is a chance of returning after he missed the first ODI due to shoulder soreness. If he plays, he could come in for Alex Carey.
Australia won the first ODI by 59 runs and will be looking to seal the series with victory on Friday.
Australia possible 11 for 2nd ODI against Zimbabwe: 1. Travis Head, 2. Mitchell Marsh (c), 3. Cooper Connolly, 4. Josh Inglis (wk), 5. Cameron Green/Alex Carey, 6. Matt Renshaw, 7. Ollie Peake, 8. Xavier Bartlett/Billy Stanlake, 9. Nathan Ellis, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood
