Australia's campaign to retain the Ashes has been dealt a severe blow just days before the first Test, with pace bowler Josh Hazlewood officially ruled out of the series opener in Perth.
Double Injury Blow for Baggy Greens
Josh Hazlewood has joined captain Pat Cummins on the sidelines after follow-up scans confirmed a hamstring strain. The news comes as a significant setback for the Australian team, robbing them of two key members of their famed pace attack at a cost of 604 Test wickets.
Initial scans conducted on Wednesday had cleared the bowler, but Cricket Australia confirmed in a statement that repeat imaging revealed the muscle strain. "Early imaging can occasionally underestimate low-grade muscle injuries," the statement explained. As a result, Hazlewood will not travel to Perth for the first NRMA Insurance Ashes Test Match.
Australia's Bowling Reshuffle
With Hazlewood and Cummins both unavailable, Mitchell Starc remains as the only experienced seamer from Australia's established 'big three'. Scott Boland had already been named to replace Cummins, who is managing back pain.
The injury crisis deepens with reserve seamer Sean Abbott also injured this week, potentially opening the door for uncapped quick Brendan Doggett. Veteran Michael Neser, aged 35, has been added to the squad as cover, further increasing the average age of the bowling group.
Contrasting Fortunes for England
While Australia grapples with injury concerns, England received positive news about their own fast bowler Mark Wood. After experiencing tightness in his left hamstring during the warm-up match against England Lions, Wood has been cleared of any serious concerns following precautionary scans.
An England and Wales Cricket Board spokesperson confirmed: "Wood will continue to train as planned in the build-up to the first Test in Perth." However, selectors may still be cautious with a player who hasn't featured in a competitive match since February.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan suggested on social media platform X that Australia might now consider altering their pitch strategy. "I just wonder if Australia will now attempt to make a dry track to make sure Lyon is hugely in the game," he wrote, referring to Australia's elite spinner Nathan Lyon.
Vaughan added: "Ominous early signs that the run of the green you require to win big series is swaying England's way... Huge chance for them to go 1 up in Perth."
In England's warm-up match, Brydon Carse made an encouraging return with three wickets, while Shoaib Bashir's selection prospects diminished after conceding 83 runs from just 12 overs. Ollie Pope followed his first-innings century with a rapid 90 as the Test team completed a manufactured five-wicket victory.
