Australia suffers major Ashes blow as star ruled out of second Test

Australia thumped England in Brisbane but the task ahead in the second Test got a little harder with a superstar forced to miss the match.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 11: Josh Hazlewood of Australia celebrates with wicket of Jos Buttler of England for 23 runs during day four of the First Test Match in the Ashes series between Australia and England at The Gabba on December 11, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Australia has suffered a blow ahead of the second Ashes Test after fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the day-night game with a side injury.

Unless the hosts opt for a second spinner to partner Nathan Lyon, Hazlewood’s place will be taken by either Michael Neser or Jhye Richardson, who have been included in a 14-man squad for the clash which starts on Thursday.

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Hazlewood took three wickets in the first Test win at the Gabba and will be sorely missed in Adelaide. The tall right-armer boasts 32 scalps at an average of 19.9 in pink ball Tests.

England captain Joe Root will be breathing a sigh of relief, because the tourists’ best batter has been dismissed by Hazlewood eight times in Test matches.

Questions were being asked about the New South Welshman’s fitness when he didn’t bowl in the final session of day three in Brisbane, but the Aussie camp maintained he was fit. He hit the crease again on day four and had Jos Buttler caught behind as England folded for 297 in its second innings.

However, Hazlewood’s niggle was more serious than we were led to believe during the opening Test of the summer and he has returned to Sydney for further assessment and rehabilitation.

Hazlewood’s absence will be sorely missed. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Neser will be hoping he finally gets a crack at wearing the baggy green, having been 12th man 16 times without getting a run-on debut.

The Queensland quick enhanced his prospects by taking five wickets in the first innings of Australia A’s recent tour game against the England Lions, but he’ll face stiff competition from Richardson for the chance to line up alongside fellow quicks Mitchell Starc and captain Pat Cummins.

Richardson played two Tests against Sri Lanka at the start of 2019 but shoulder injury woes have prevented him from making more appearances in the five-day format.

A skiddy-type bowler who bowls genuine outswing to right-handers, the West Australian has been on fire in the Sheffield Shield this season. He’s taken 23 wickets in just four matches, including a five-wicket haul against Queensland in November.