In a blow to Australia’s Ashes campaign, veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Test in Perth after a second set of scans confirmed a hamstring injury. According to Cricket Australia, Hazlewood’s second round of imaging revealed damage to his hamstring, ruling him out of the opening Ashes Test. The setback comes less than a week out from the first Test, starting on November 21.
“Initial scans Wednesday were clear of muscle strain however follow-up imaging today has confirmed the injury. Early imaging can occasionally underestimate low-grade muscle injuries,” Cricket Australia said in a release.
“As a result, Hazlewood will not travel to Perth and has been ruled out of the first NRMA Insurance Ashes Test Match."
To plug the gap left by Hazlewood, Michael Neser has been brought into the squad. Neser’s inclusion is crucial given that Sean Abbott is also sidelined with a hamstring issue. This is a massive blow because Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, is unavailable for the first Test due to a back injury.