Hazlewood returned to Australia after reporting a minor side sore after his last IPL match for the Royal Challengers Bangalore two weeks ago, Cricket Australia reports.

The governing body reported that Hazlewood returned to high-intensity bowling after a short and cautious period of rest.

He will continue to increase his bowling workload in preparation for the WTC finals and Ashes series against England, CA said in a statement.

Hazlewood is considered healthy and could participate in the WTC finals and series against England. Hazlewood has battled injuries for the past 18 months and has been sidelined from bowling for four months to recover from an Achilles problem suffered during a test in Sydney in January.

The WTC finals begin June 7 at The Oval in London, and the Ashes Series begins in Edgbaston on June 16.

England had their own injury problems ahead of the Ashes, with fast bowler Jofra Archer out for the entire series and his counterpart James Anderson out for a groin sprain.

Paceman Ollie Robinson is also at risk of injury after injuring his ankle in a game for the Sussex County team over the weekend.

Australia will own the Ashes after beating England 4-0 at home in 2021-22.