Australia’s Ashes preparations hit hard by Hazlewood injury
Australia’s preparations for the Ashes have suffered a significant blow after fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the first Test in Perth due to a hamstring injury, leaving the hosts’ pace attack severely weakened just days before the opener against England, reports BritPanorama.
The 34-year-old had appeared to be fit after initial scans cleared him of serious injury; however, follow-up imaging revealed a strain, prompting selectors to quickly reshuffle their squad. This development follows the news that captain Pat Cummins is also sidelined with a back issue, meaning Australia will miss two-thirds of its preferred pace trio in Perth.
With 295 Test wickets to his name, Hazlewood was expected to be instrumental on a pitch known for favouring seam bowlers. Instead, he will remain at home as medical staff monitor his recovery, creating uncertainty around his long-term availability.
Cricket Australia stated, “Initial scans on Wednesday were clear of muscle strain, however follow-up imaging 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 Ashes Test match.”
Mitchell Starc is now the lone fit member of Australia’s first-choice pace attack, and the team has had to adapt swiftly. Scott Boland, whose impressive home average sits at just 12, is expected to slot into the bowling lineup, with Brendan Doggett on standby for a potential debut as one of the fastest bowlers in domestically. Michael Neser has also been called in as cover, having last played for Australia in 2022.
The injury woes extend beyond Hazlewood and Cummins; Sean Abbott is unavailable due to his own hamstring issue, and emerging quicks Spencer Johnson and Lance Morris are long-term absentees. Jhye Richardson is making his way back from shoulder surgery and is set to feature for a Cricket Australia XI against the England Lions next weekend.
The timing of Hazlewood’s withdrawal was notable, coinciding with England’s Mark Wood receiving the green light to play following a similar injury. Despite this, former Australian bowler Jason Gillespie cautioned England against assuming a weakened Australian side will now be vulnerable, stating, “There’s a little window of opportunity, potentially, England will identify, not having Hazlewood or Cummins in Perth.”
He added, “Scott Boland is a superb bowler, averages 12 in Australia. Brendan Doggett is in fine form and one of the quickest bowlers in Australia. England should be wary, in my opinion.”
Hazlewood has had a challenging time with injuries in recent years, having featured in only one Test during Australia’s last home Ashes series four years ago. With pressure mounting and a depleted attack, Australia must now find a way to balance experience and youthful pace against a determined England side.
In a series long celebrated for its intensity, this latest twist underscores the unpredictable nature of sport, where fortune can shift with a sudden twist of fate.
