Australia suffered a major blow on Saturday when fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England with a hamstring strain, while Pat Cummins was also injured. Josh Hazlewood suffered a hamstring injury while playing in New South Wales' Sheffield Shield match against Victoria this week. He was initially declared fit after a scan, but further imaging confirmed the strain.
Australia have named Michael Neser as cover for both Hazlewood and Sean Abbott, who has played two Tests. Hazlewood's absence has increased Australia's selection concerns, as captain Pat Cummins is also out with a back problem. Thus, Mitchell Starc remains the only fit member of the first-choice fast bowling trio.
Cricket Australia issued a statement: Josh Hazlewood underwent further imaging today, which confirmed a hamstring strain. "Initial scans on Wednesday did not reveal a hamstring strain, but follow-up imaging today confirmed the injury. Minor muscle injuries can sometimes be underestimated on initial imaging. As a result, Hazlewood will not be able to travel to Perth and has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test match.
Australian team for the Ashes
Steven Smith (captain), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Weatherald, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Michael Neser, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc
England team for the Ashes
Ben Stokes (captain), Harry Brook (vice-captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.
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