Australia's experienced fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has returned to ODI cricket after almost a year. He was included in the playing XI for the second ODI against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday, September 18, 2026. This is not just an ODI match, but a fitness build-up for the three-Test World Test Championship series against South Africa next month.
A Major Comeback After Battling Injuries
The last 12 months have been difficult for Josh Hazlewood. Hamstring and Achilles injuries prevented him from participating in the 2025-26 Ashes series and the 2026 T20 World Cup. His Test career was also in question due to a series of injuries.
But Hazlewood didn't give up. He underwent a rigorous 10-week rehab and training block in Sydney. The results were evident in last month's Test series against Bangladesh in Northern Australia. He took seven wickets in the first Test in Darwin, his first in over a year. The second Test in Mackay ended in just two days, and he also bowled brilliantly.
After his return, Hazlewood said, "I'm very happy with where I am physically. The work we did before the Bangladesh series was our last major training block before this big season. I came out without any injuries, which I'm very happy with."
Now his goal is to maintain this momentum. He said at the launch of Play Cricket Week, "The best way for me is to play as much as possible. We have two ODI series before the Test series, so I'll try to play two out of three matches in both. Once you reach this intensity, it's most important to maintain it."
What happened in Zimbabwe?
Australia is playing a three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. Australia won the first match by 59 runs. In the second match, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and elected to bowl first. The pitch in Harare is said to be a bit dry today.
Australia has made changes to its fast bowling attack.
Australia's playing XI: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Ollie Peake, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, and Billy Stanlake.
Zimbabwe's playing XI: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brendan Taylor (wicketkeeper), Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (captain), Wesley Madhevere, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Newman Nyamhuri, and Blessing Muzarabani.
There are two major changes in this match. Spencer Johnson and Xavier Bartlett have been rested. Hazlewood and Billy Stanlake have come in their place. Stanlake's return is also significant. The 2-meter-tall bowler returned to international cricket in June after a seven-year absence. His pace and bounce, combined with his injury-plagued performance, are being considered for future Test cricket.
Hazlewood last played an ODI in October 2025. Therefore, this match is crucial for him to regain his rhythm.
What is the full schedule?
Cricket Australia has a clear plan for its senior fast bowlers.
Zimbabwe tour: September 15, September 18, and September 20 - 3 ODIs
South Africa tour: September 24, September 27, and September 30 - 3 ODIs
South Africa Test series: October 9 to October 31 - 3 Tests (in Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town)
This means Hazlewood will have the opportunity to play four of the six ODIs before the Tests. This will prepare his body for the Tests through 50-over cricket.
This plan also includes Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Both will join the team in Durban next week. Cummins is still the official ODI captain, but Mitchell Marsh is captaining on the Zimbabwe tour. Cummins and Starc will return for the ODI series in South Africa.
Why is the South Africa series important?
The Test series against South Africa is crucial for Australia in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. South Africa are the current WTC champions and are very dangerous at home.
Australia's 2026-27 schedule is the busiest in history. Following South Africa in October, there's an eight-match white-ball series against England in November, four Tests against New Zealand in December-January, and then the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India in January 2027.
Therefore, Cricket Australia wants to utilize its three senior fast bowlers—Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood—judiciously. In IPL 2026, all three were rested from the initial matches to ensure they remain fit for this busy season.
This tour is also a significant one for Hazlewood personally. He has never won a Test series in South Africa. For Hazlewood, now 32, this could be his last chance to fulfill this unfulfilled dream of his career.
All in all, this brief ODI comeback, which began in Harare, is the first step towards a larger Test mission. If Hazlewood remains fit here, Australia's most dangerous pace attack will once again be back together.
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