Melbourne, 15 November (Udaipur Kiran). Australia’s Ashes preparations have taken another significant hit. After regular captain Pat Cummins was ruled out, senior fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has now been sidelined from the first Test in Perth. What was initially considered a minor issue earlier in the week has turned out to be a more serious injury.
Fresh scans conducted on Friday confirmed a hamstring strain. The initial scan on Wednesday had shown no muscle damage, but Cricket Australia said early scans can often underestimate low-grade injuries. As a result, Hazlewood will not travel to Perth.
Michael Neser has been added to the squad for the opening Test. The Queensland seamer has been brought in as cover not only for Hazlewood but also for Sean Abbott, who is struggling with a hamstring issue picked up during a Shield match between New South Wales and Victoria.
Neser, who made his Test debut in Adelaide during the 2021 Ashes and has played two Tests so far, could play a crucial role as Australia deal with a depleted pace attack.
Australia’s fast-bowling stocks are currently heavily impacted by injuries. Sean Abbott, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Spencer Johnson and both Cummins and Hazlewood are unavailable. This increases the likelihood of a debut for 31-year-old Brendan Doggett, who has impressed selectors this season with 13 Shield wickets at an average of 14.69 after recovering from a minor hamstring strain.
Meanwhile, captain Pat Cummins continues his rehabilitation at the SCG and is aiming to be fit for the second Ashes Test starting 4 December at the Gabba.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
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