Australia’s plans for the remainder of the Ashes series have been dealt a significant blow with the confirmation that fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will play no further part in the campaign. The experienced paceman has been sidelined due to a combination of hamstring and achilles injuries.
National coach Andrew McDonald expressed his disappointment at the news, stating the team had anticipated Hazlewood playing a major role. The bowler’s recent history has been marred by persistent fitness issues, which have limited his appearances in the Test side over the past two years.
Hazlewood’s absence opens the door for either Scott Boland or Michael Neser to retain their place in the starting lineup for the pivotal third Test in Adelaide and beyond. Neser strengthened his case with a five-wicket performance in Brisbane, while Boland has long been considered the next in line among Australia’s deep pace reserves.
In a positive update for the hosts, captain Pat Cummins is expected to return from a back injury for the Adelaide match, likely as the only change to the squad. Despite the heavy workload shouldered by Mitchell Starc in the first two Tests, the team is not currently considering resting any frontline bowlers, with the focus squarely on securing the series win.
The selection spotlight also falls on veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, who was omitted for the day-night Test in Brisbane. McDonald moved to reaffirm Lyon’s importance to the attack, particularly for the remaining matches, and downplayed any notion of a rift after the spinner publicly voiced his frustration at being dropped.
Australia leads the series 2-0, with the third Test scheduled to begin in Adelaide next Wednesday.