Ashes Blow: Hazlewood Joins Cummins on Sidelines
In a significant setback for the Australian cricket team, opening bowler Josh Hazlewood has been officially ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England. The match, a highly anticipated start to the series, is scheduled for next Friday in Perth.
Injury Details and Timeline
The 34-year-old seamer's troubles began when he was pulled from New South Wales' Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria last Thursday due to his hamstring. The situation failed to improve, with Hazlewood reporting persistent and significant discomfort to Cricket Australia officials on Saturday afternoon. This consistent tightness ultimately sealed his fate for the opening match of the summer.
Selection Scramble for Australian Attack
With Hazlewood joining captain Pat Cummins, who is already sidelined with a back problem, the Australian attack is severely depleted. This leaves Mitchell Starc as the sole remaining fit member of the team's first-choice fast-bowling trio. While Scott Boland was already a certainty to replace Cummins, the search for a third pace option has become urgent.
The injury crisis has opened the door for a potential shock debut. South Australian quick Brendan Doggett, 31, is now in contention after fellow squad spare bowler Sean Abbott was also ruled out with his own hamstring injury. Australian selectors are now in a race against time to finalise their bowling lineup for the crucial first Test.
