Australia suffered a major setback ahead of the Ashes opener in Perth. Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Test after fresh scans confirmed a hamstring strain. He picked up the injury while playing for New South Wales earlier this week.
Hazlewood was initially cleared, but repeat tests showed a low-grade muscle issue. He will not travel to Perth.
Pat Cummins is already out of the opening Test with a back problem. That leaves Australia without two members of their first-choice pace attack.
Bowling reshuffle
Mitchell Starc is now the only available member of the ‘big three’. Scott Boland will join him in the XI, while Brendan Doggett is set for a Test debut. Doggett has been in strong domestic form and is one of the quickest bowlers in the country.
Michael Neser has been added to the squad as cover. He has played two Tests but none since 2022. At 35, he is one of the senior members of the group.
Sean Abbott is also unavailable because of a hamstring injury. Spencer Johnson and Lance Morris remain long-term absentees.
Despite the setbacks, former fast bowler Jason Gillespie believes Australia can still start strong in Perth. He said England might sense a small opening, but warned that Boland and Doggett can trouble any batting line-up.
England get boost
England received better news on their own fitness front. Mark Wood has been cleared of a hamstring concern and is available for selection.
Hazlewood has played 76 Tests and taken 295 wickets. He missed almost the entire previous home Ashes series with a side injury. There is no update yet on his availability beyond the Perth Test.
Cummins, however, is expected to return for the second Test in Brisbane and take back the captaincy from Steve Smith.
Australia confirmed Hazlewood’s withdrawal in a statement, explaining that early scans can sometimes underestimate muscle injuries.
Jhye Richardson, who last played a Test against England four years ago, is another option later in the series. He is currently returning from shoulder surgery and will feature for a Cricket Australia XI against England Lions next week.
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