England's Ashes campaign has received a major boost, while Australia's preparations have been dealt a second crushing blow just days before the first Test in Perth.
England's Relief as Wood Cleared
Mark Wood has been passed fit after a scare over his left hamstring. The 35-year-old fast bowler felt stiffness during England's warm-up match against the England Lions at Lilac Hill Park, his first outing since knee surgery in the summer.
Precautionary scans on Friday have since come back clear, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirming he has been cleared of any concerns. While he did not feature on the third day of the warm-up, Wood will continue his training programme as planned for the first Test, which begins next Friday.
Australia's Bowling Crisis Worsens
In stark contrast, Australia's fast-bowling arsenal has been decimated. Josh Hazlewood has been officially ruled out of the series opener after follow-up scans confirmed a hamstring strain.
The 34-year-old suffered the injury while playing for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield. Initial scans were clear, but subsequent imaging revealed a muscle tear. Cricket Australia stated that early scans can sometimes underestimate low-grade injuries.
This news means Australia will be without two-thirds of their famed pace attack, with captain Pat Cummins already sidelined due to a back problem. This leaves Mitchell Starc as the only remaining member of their premier trio.
Team Tactics and Reshuffles
Australia have called up Michael Neser as cover, with fellow backup Sean Abbott also injured. Scott Boland is set to cover for Cummins, leaving the uncapped Brendan Doggett in contention for a debut.
Alternatively, the hosts could opt for a dual all-rounder strategy by playing both Cameron Green and Beau Webster. This could see Jake Weatherald open the batting with Usman Khawaja.
For England, the positive news on Wood opens the door for a potential four-pronged pace attack. Ben Stokes could lead a battery including Wood, the returning Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse, potentially omitting a specialist spinner for the Perth conditions.
England head into the Test with momentum after a five-wicket victory in their warm-up, while Australia face a race against time to finalise their lineup.
