Massive setback for Australia as pace spearhead ruled out of first Ashes Test after Pat Cummins blow

Australia suffered a major setback ahead of the opening Ashes Test, with veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to a hamstring strain - joining skipper Pat Cummins on the sidelines. Hazlewood, 34, picked up the injury during New South Wales' Sheffield Shield match against Victoria. Although his initial scans suggested no muscle damage, follow-up imaging confirmed the strain, forcing Cricket Australia to withdraw him from the first Test in Perth on November 21.

"Initial scans Wednesday were clear of muscle strain, however follow-up imaging today has confirmed the injury," Cricket Australia said in a release. "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 Ashes Test match."



Cummins has already been ruled out as he continues to recover from a lower-back injury sustained over three months ago against the West Indies. While he aims to return for the second Test in Brisbane on December 4, Hazlewood’s timeline remains uncertain. The Australian camp faces further complications with reserve pacer Sean Abbott also sidelined by a hamstring issue, sustained during the same match.

In response, Michael Neser - who has played two Test matches, making his debut against England at Adelaide Oval in 2021 - has been drafted into the squad as cover. With Hazlewood and Cummins unavailable, Australia’s attack will rely heavily on Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon, while Brendan Doggett appears poised for a potential Test debut.

The blow to Australia's bowling stocks comes as England receive a timely boost. Pace ace Mark Wood, who had complained of hamstring stiffness during England’s only warm-up match, has been cleared to play after precautionary scans revealed no serious damage.

The 35-year-old, returning from knee surgery and limited to just eight overs in the warm-up, is expected to spearhead England’s attack. He may be joined by Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Josh Tongue, barring any late fitness concerns.

England will be seeking their first Ashes series win in Australia since 2010–11, having endured a stretch of 13 losses and two draws in the country. However, Australia’s depleted pace lineup has added a dramatic twist ahead of what promises to be a fiercely contested opening Test in Perth.