Follow UsAustralia have been dealt a massive blow as their premier fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England in Perth, starting November 21 (Friday). Hazlewood walked off during the Sheffield Shield game against Victoria due to a hamstring injury, which will keep him out of the Ashes opener.
“Initial scans on Wednesday were clear of muscle strain however, follow-up imaging today has confirmed the injury,” Cricket Australia (CA) said in a statement.
“As a result, Hazlewood will not travel to Perth and has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test match,” it added.
This is a double blow for Australia, given that their skipper Pat Cummins is also ruled out as he continues to recover from a long-term injury. Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland are sure to start for the hosts, with the place of a third pacer up for grabs. Michael Neser has been added to the squad, as a result, with South Australia pacer Brendan Doggett likely to get a Test debut
Hazlewood picked up just one wicket across both innings in the Shield game against Victoria in the 27 overs he sent down. The 34-year-old has picked up 295 wickets in 76 Tests for Australia at 24.21 apiece.