Aussies rocked as Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Ashes Test
The Australian side is in chaos six days before the first Ashes Test begins with an Aussie star sensationally ruled out on Saturday.
Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test.
With Australia already missing captain Pat Cummins, Hazlewood’s injury is a massive blow for the host nation.
Cricket Australia has confirmed Hazlewood has been unable to prove his fitness as he manages a hamstring injury just six days before the series begins.
It is a dramatic twist after Cricket Australia on Thursday said Hazlewood would continue to prepare for the series-opening Test in Perth with the rest of the Aussie squad — despite appearing to suffer an injury playing for NSW on Wednesday.
After bowling nine overs for NSW on Wednesday, Hazlewood and Sean Abbott were both taken for scans after reporting hamstring issues.
Cricket Australia (CA) communicated to reporters that the scan cleared Hazlewood of any injury concerns.
However, CA said in a statement on Saturday Hazlewood underwent a second scan which has shown more serious issues.
“Josh Hazlewood underwent repeat imaging today that has confirmed a hamstring strain injury,” Cricket Australia confirmed in a statement.
“Initial scans Wednesday were clear of muscle strain however follow-up imaging today has confirmed the injury. Early imaging can occasionally underestimate low-grade muscle injuries.
“As a result, Hazlewood will not travel to Perth and has been ruled out of the first NRMA Insurance Ashes Test Match.
“Michael Neser has been added to the Australian squad for the first Test. Neser comes in to provide cover for Hazlewood and Sean Abbott, who suffered a hamstring strain in the same New South Wales Sheffield Shield match against Victoria.
“Neser has played two Test matches, making his debut against England at the Adelaide Oval in 2021.”
Brendan Doggett, 31, is now in line to join Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland in the Aussie pace attack.
Aussie selectors are suddenly running low on front-line options.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan can smell blood in the water.
“Hazlewood out of the first test as well as Cummins … Ominous early signs that the run of the green you require to win big series is swaying Englands way,” Vaughan wrote on X.
“Huge chance for them (England) to go 1-up in Perth.”
Star Indian TV commentator Aakash Chopra posted: “Cummins was ruled out already. And now, Josh Hazlewood for the first #Ashes Test. This should make things very interesting at Perth”.
Cricket commentator Saurabh Malhotra posted on X: “No Cummins. No Hazlewood. Australia’s worst nightmare comes true”.
On the flip side of the coin, England has confirmed star fast-bowler Mark Wood has been cleared to be selected in the first Test.
The opening Test of the Ashes series commences on November 21 from Perth Stadium.
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