Major Setback for Australia Ahead of Ashes Battle
The Australian cricket team has been dealt another significant blow just before the highly anticipated Ashes series against England, with experienced fast bowler Josh Hazlewood being ruled out of the opening test due to a hamstring injury confirmed on Saturday.
This development further weakens Australia's bowling attack, coming shortly after the confirmed absence of captain Pat Cummins. The timing couldn't be worse for the home side as they prepare to defend the Ashes urn on home soil.
Hazlewood's Injury Timeline and Replacement
The injury drama unfolded when Hazlewood underwent scans at a hospital on Wednesday after experiencing discomfort in his hamstring during a domestic match at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Initially, medical staff cleared the 34-year-old paceman of any serious strain, giving him the green light to travel to Perth for the first Ashes test scheduled to begin on November 21.
However, subsequent tests delivered disappointing news, confirming a hamstring injury that will sideline the veteran bowler. Cricket Australia explained in an official statement that "early imaging can occasionally underestimate low-grade muscle injuries," leading to the revised diagnosis.
As a direct consequence, Hazlewood will not travel to Perth and has been officially ruled out of the first Ashes test match. His replacement in the Australian squad is all-rounder Michael Neser, who has been called up to provide cover for both Hazlewood and Sean Abbott.
Neser brings test experience to the squad, having played two matches for Australia previously. He featured in a commanding 275-run victory over England in December 2021 and a massive 419-run win against the West Indies in December 2022, claiming seven test wickets across these appearances.
England's Relief as Wood Gets All Clear
In stark contrast to Australia's misfortune, the England camp received positive news regarding their pace spearhead Mark Wood. The fast bowler had left the field on Thursday during an Ashes warm-up game, complaining of hamstring stiffness after bowling eight overs for an England XI against an England Lions side.
Following precautionary scans on Friday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that Wood has been cleared of any concerns regarding his left hamstring. Although he wasn't expected to feature on the third day of England's warm-up match against the Lions XI at Lilac Hill Park in Perth, the 35-year-old will continue training as planned in preparation for the first test.
This news comes as a significant relief for England, as Wood was one of their standout performers in the 2021-22 Ashes series, claiming 17 wickets. The speedster had been sidelined since February due to a knee injury and was hoping to build match fitness during the warm-up games ahead of the crucial five-match series.
Wood is recognized as one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket and will lead England's bowling attack alongside Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Josh Tongue. His availability provides a major boost to England's chances as they seek to reclaim the Ashes on Australian soil.
The injury to Hazlewood is likely to create an opportunity for uncapped 31-year-old Brendan Doggett to make his test debut in Perth, adding another layer of intrigue to what promises to be a compelling opening match of the Ashes series.
