Any injury to Josh Hazlewood with the World Test Championship final looming can only be a concern for Australia, so his shock absence from Royal Challengers Bengaluru's latest IPL match is enough to have alarm bells ringing.
Any setback for the veteran quick, in prime form in India since recovering from calf and side injuries that ruined his summer, is worrisome, but RCB were quick to suggest the shoulder niggle that sidelined the 34-year-old on Saturday wasn't serious.
"Fingers crossed, we're hopeful to have Josh Hazlewood and Phil Salt back for the next game," said RCB assistant coach Dinesh Karthik, referring also to the England batter, who has been down with a fever.
