England have emerged victorious from the pre-Ashes fitness battle after receiving positive news about Mark Wood's hamstring, while Australia suffered a significant blow with Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the first Test.
Wood's Fitness Boost for England
Mark Wood, England's fastest bowler, has been given the all-clear after undergoing a scan on his left hamstring just six days before the Ashes series opener on Australia's west coast. The 35-year-old reported discomfort after bowling eight overs during the warm-up game between England and England Lions at Lilac Hill, marking his first match situation in nine months.
An ECB statement confirmed that Wood had "been cleared of any concerns" following his radiographer's appointment. Although he didn't return to the practice game at the Midland Guildford club ground, the statement added that he "will continue to train as planned in the build-up to the first Test".
Given Wood's limited cricket since undergoing knee surgery after breaking down in February's Champions Trophy loss to Afghanistan, his participation at Optus Stadium next Friday remains uncertain. However, England's current Test regime has demonstrated willingness to make bold selection decisions, potentially pairing Jofra Archer with Wood in an exciting prospect for the tourists.
Australia's Bowling Crisis Deepens
While England captain Ben Stokes will have a full touring squad available, Australia's injury problems mounted significantly with Hazlewood's withdrawal reducing the hosts to just 14 available players.
Josh Hazlewood, who turns 35 in January, initially received clearance after reporting soreness during New South Wales' 300-run defeat to Victoria in the Sheffield Shield earlier this week. However, a second opinion on Saturday confirmed a right hamstring strain.
A Cricket Australia statement explained: "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 NRMA Insurance Ashes Test Match."
Selection Consequences for Both Sides
Australia's bowling attack has been severely compromised, with captain Pat Cummins already ruled out before the 15-man squad selection due to a back injury. Sean Abbott, who made the initial cut, also withdrew with a hamstring tear sustained in the same Shield match that injured Hazlewood.
The hosts will now hand a Test debut to 31-year-old Brendan Doggett, who recently claimed two five-wicket hauls for South Australia in the past fortnight. Queensland's Michael Neser comes into the squad as seam-bowling backup.
Australian supporters will lament their misfortune as the team loses 604 Test wickets of experience from their attack, highlighting the risks of maintaining an ageing squad until it shows signs of wear.
Meanwhile, England received mixed news from their Lions camp. While Brydon Carse overcame sickness to take three wickets, Rehan Ahmed was ruled out for the remainder of the Lions' tour due to a right lower leg strain.
