Josh Hazlewood to return for T20I series against Sri Lanka

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has confirmed that he will return to the side for the five-match T20 International (T20I) series, starting February 11 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Hazlewood played just the first Test in the recently-concluded Ashes as a side strain forced him out of action. Hazlewood also expects to play the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022.

"It's been a frustrating couple of weeks, no doubt, watching away on TV with the rest of the country, but the boys have been fantastic," he said at the announcement of 2022 Men's T20 World Cup fixtures in Sydney.

"Definitely back for the Sri Lankan T20s, can take it a bit easier now with New Zealand not coming, got a couple of weeks up my sleeve to get right."

Hazlewood also concedes that it is not possible for him to play all games for Australia and calls for a need to prioritise. "We've had a look at the schedule and gone through it, especially the multi-format guys, and I think it's pretty much impossible to play all the games for Australia," Hazlewood said. 

"We'll have to prioritise whether it's red-ball over white-ball or vice-versa, depending on how your body is travelling. As far as time away from home and bubble fatigue goes, there's going to have to be some time put aside to hopefully get home for a week or two."

Hazlewood was a key figure in Australia's triumph in the T20 World Cup last November. The pacer finished with 11 wickets from seven matches including 3 for 16 in the final against New Zealand in Dubai.

Before that, Hazlewood was also part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) that lifted the IPL title at the same venue. "I expected to play a part in wins for Australia and get a game here and there in the IPL, but that opportunity for games in a row makes a huge difference," he said. 

"You learn so much in each game, and they are each a bit different. It definitely exceeded what I thought I could do in that format, but I was quietly confident of playing my role."

Despite Hazlewood's absence for four out of the five Ashes Tests against England, Australia went on to win the series 4-0. They found new heroes in the form of Jhye Richardson and Scott Boland, who did a fine job for them.