Hazlewood Out of First Ashes Test; Neser Called Up
Hazlewood Out of First Ashes Test; Neser Called Up
Hazlewood sidelined with hamstring strain for Perth opener; Neser added to squad as Australia reshapes pace attack ahead of the Ashes.
Josh Hazlewood will miss the first Ashes Test in Perth after repeat imaging confirmed a hamstring strain. He will not travel to Perth, leaving Australia's pace stocks thinner for the series opener. Initial scans on Wednesday were clear of a major muscle issue, but subsequent imaging has confirmed a low-grade strain. This setback compounds Australia's injury toll, with Sean Abbott already ruled out of the first Test due to hamstring trouble and long-term absentees Spencer Johnson and Lance Morris also sidelined. Neser has been added to the squad and will come in ahead of Fergus O'Neill, giving Australia a versatile option at pace as they prepare for the Perth clash. Jhye Richardson, who has been rebuilding his Test career after shoulder surgery, remains in contention for later in the series. In the meantime, Australia will look to adapt quickly and lean on Neser's experience to fill the breach in the pace department.
Cummins is thought to be on track to play in the second Test in Brisbane, where he could reclaim the captaincy from Steve Smith, but there is no clear indication of Hazlewood's status beyond Perth. The injury reshapes Australia's plans for the opener, with selectors weighing how best to balance pace and control on a Perth pitch that can offer assistance to fast bowlers. As the squad gathers in Perth, the focus shifts to how Neser and the rest of the bowlers will execute a plan to keep England in check across the five-match series.
