Aussies preach caution with Hazlewood

Australia's No.1 ODI bowler Josh Hazlewood is expected to have only a handful of 50-over matches to prepare for the World Cup as he carefully manages a back injury.

Hazlewood was ruled out of the two-Test campaign against Sri Lanka after scans revealed an early stage stress fracture in the same lower back area he injured last year, keeping him out of Australia's series against Pakistan in the UAE.

Australia assistant coach David Saker said Hazlewood is now likely to miss the upcoming five-match ODI tours against India and Pakistan, leaving only practice matches in Brisbane in May and the ICC warm-up matches in the United Kingdom before the defending champions' campaign begins against Afghanistan on June 1 in Bristol.

"He's a really important player for us moving forward," Saker told SEN Test Cricket on Friday. "To give him a rest up before a World Cup, Ashes is probably the smartest move

"We've got some one-day matches in India and the UAE but I'm not sure he'll be right for those and then I think we'll assess it straight after that.

"The really important thing is getting him up for the World Cup and the Ashes.

"But if he's ready before that we'll probably get him in a few games."

Hazlewood is the No.9-ranked ODI bowler in the world, ahead of teammates Mitch Starc (No.17) and Pat Cummins (No.18).

The right-armer has 72 wickets at 25.15 in 44 ODI matches and was part of the XI that won the 2015 World Cup final over New Zealand four years ago on home soil.

Managing Australia's fast bowlers through the back-to-back World Cup and Ashes campaigns is of top priority for Australia's coaching staff.

It's unlikely the 'Big Three' of Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins will be able to play unchanged for four months straight in England, meaning a battery of fast bowlers is set to be employed.

Saker said he's pleased with the fast bowling depth and nominated a few quicks who will be in contention for the Ashes.

"Over there (in England) it's not about pace," Saker said. "It's about getting the ball in the right area and if there's one person that can do that over and over again it's Peter Siddle.

"Daniel Worrall from South Australia is one that's pretty exciting. He's pretty similar to Jhye (Richardson), he swings the ball both ways.

"Again, Chris Tremain, who keeps taking wickets for Victoria is a really good option and then James Pattinson and the crew we've got here.

"When we've got that depth it's a strong unit. We're really happy as a group – the fast bowlers and fast bowlers' coach – it's starting to see some really good stuff on the horizon."