In a major blow to Australia, Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test due to a hamstring injury. Cricket Australia have confirmed that Michael Neser has been added to the squad for the opening Test as bowling cover.
Hazlewood withdrew from the Sheffield Shield match against Victoria on Thursday. Initial scans indicated that the veteran pacer was not at risk, but subsequent scans have now confirmed the injury.
“Josh Hazlewood underwent repeat imaging today, which has confirmed a hamstring strain. Initial scans on Wednesday were clear of muscle strain; however, follow-up imaging today has confirmed the injury. 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,” the Cricket Australia statement read.
Earlier left out of the squad, Neser, who has played two Tests, has now been drafted in for the first Test.
“Michael Neser has been added to the Australian squad for the first Test. Neser comes in to provide cover for Hazlewood and Sean Abbott, who suffered a hamstring strain in the same New South Wales Sheffield Shield match against Victoria. Neser has played two Test matches, making his debut against England at the Adelaide Oval in 2021,” the statement added.
The replacement has been called up as three frontline pacers — Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Sean Abbott — will miss the series opener in Perth, starting November 21.
Scott Boland had already been tipped to replace Cummins in the line-up, and now uncapped Brendan Doggett is in contention for a surprise debut. These two are likely to form the pace attack alongside Mitchell Starc.
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