'Want to keep intensity high' - Hazlewood after successful Test return

Josh Hazlewood aims to keep up his match fitness through upcoming white-ball series following a successful return to Test cricket against Bangladesh, targeting the upcoming Test series against South Africa in October 2026.

Managed White-Ball Workload: Hazlewood expects to be named in Australia's ODI squads for upcoming series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, targeting playing roughly "two out of three" matches in both tours to maintain intensity without overexerting.

Return from Injury: After taking seven wickets in the Darwin Test against Bangladesh—his first Test match in over a year—he reported feeling physically strong and unscathed heading into the next leg of international fixtures.

Neser Ahead of Schedule: All-rounder Michael Neser confirmed his rehab from a calf injury is progressing ahead of schedule. Having signed a two-year BBL deal with Brisbane Heat, he remains hopeful of being cleared in time for selection for the Test tour to South Africa.

Rabada Injury Watch: Hazlewood noted that Australian batters will closely monitor the recovery of South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who was ruled out of the upcoming ODIs due to a hamstring injury and faces a race against time to be fit for the Test series.

"[I'm] actually ahead of schedule," Neser said after signing a new two-year BBL deal with Brisbane Heat. "I had another scan and results came back very good, so I'm progressing quite nicely. "South Africa is still on the cards and still what I'm aiming for. Obviously, it hasn't been picked yet, but if all goes well with rehab and everything, I'll be fit and ready for that."

While Neser is unlikely to be a first-choice starter in South Africa, even if Australia opt for an all-pace attack at any of the venues, he would provide valuable back up to the big three and Scott Boland. He took 15 wickets at 19.93 in last season's Ashes.