Australian quick Josh Hazlewood makes a return in the IPL after a four-month lay-off

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has taken the biggest steps on his path to a Test return after snaring two wickets in his first outing for nearly four months.

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Hazlewood bowled three overs for Royal Challengers Bangalore

Hazlewood bowled three overs for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. He took 2-15, in his first match since the New Year’s SCG Test against South Africa in January.

The 32-year-old looms as a key plank in Australia’s attack for a massive six Test matches in England that begins with the World Test Championship final against India, then the highly-anticipated Ashes.

Hazlewood hadn’t bowled in a match since injuring his Achilles

Hazlewood hadn’t bowled in a match since injuring his Achilles in Sydney, forcing him to miss the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India.

The New South Welshman has been working on a recuperation program designed to get him ready for the WTC final on June 7 and said he was “more excited than nervous” about finally getting back.

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“It has been a long while,” said Hazlewood, playing on a $1.4 million contract.

“I was excited more than nervous. It is great to be back here in front of some good fans.”

Hazlewood, who took 20 wickets at 21.85 in four matches

Hazlewood, who took 20 wickets at 21.85 in four matches during the last Ashes tour in 2019. He has only played 11 of Australia’s 28 Tests since that series due to a string of injuries.

But he was picked in the 17-man Ashes squad with the expectation of rejoining Australia’s frontline attack alongside captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.