Follow UsInjury continues to haunt Australia’s premier pacer, Josh Hazlewood, as the senior pacer has now been ruled out of the entire Ashes 2025/26 series, on December 9 (Tuesday). Hazlewood was ruled out of the first two Tests, with there being an expectation that he will feature at some point in the series.
However, in his attempt to push towards a return, the pacer suffered a fresh injury, making Australia’s bowling stocks slightly weak. There’s a strong possibility, however, that Pat Cummins will return for the third Test, with the Australian captain almost making it to the playing XI for the day-night Test at Gabba.
"Really flat for him [Hazlewood]," McDonald said. "A couple of setbacks that we didn't see coming. We thought he'd play a huge part in the series, so we really feel for him that he won't get that opportunity.
"There won't be any match opportunities for Pat before Adelaide, but this is something we've done with him before long layoffs," he said. "We feel as though he'll be as best prepared as can be.”
After missing the Gabba Test, veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon too is set to make his comeback for the Adelaide encounter, with one of Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser, or Scott Boland set to make way.
Australia lead the series 2-0, and a win in Adelaide will ensure their winning streak in the Ashes Down Under.