Post by : Rameen Ariff

Australia’s pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the entire Ashes 2025 series against England after ongoing injury struggles, head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed on Tuesday. The announcement comes after Hazlewood had already missed the opening matches in Perth and Brisbane, leaving a major gap in Australia’s bowling attack.

Speaking about the news, McDonald expressed sympathy for the fast bowler. “Really flat for him. A couple of setbacks that we didn’t see coming. We thought he’d play a huge part in the series. But really feel for him that he won’t get that opportunity,” he said.

Hazlewood initially suffered a hamstring strain before the Perth Test, and his recovery was further hampered by a new injury in the lower calf to Achilles region last week. This latest setback has forced the Australian team to confirm that the first-choice quick will not play a single game in the five-Test series, which currently sees Australia leading 2-0 and in a position to retain the urn with a draw in Adelaide.

The news of Hazlewood’s absence came on the same day that England confirmed that fast bowler Mark Wood would also miss the remainder of the series due to a knee injury, further highlighting the injury toll affecting both teams.

McDonald confirmed that Pat Cummins, Australia’s regular captain and leading paceman, is expected to return for the Adelaide Test. Cummins missed the opening matches while recovering from a lower back injury but has completed match simulation sessions at Allan Border Field in Brisbane. “He simulated pretty much what a match will look like out there with multiple spells. We feel as though the simulation in the nets has got him skill-ready. His body’s ready to go,” McDonald added. Barring any further setbacks, Cummins is expected to lead the team in Adelaide, toss the coin, and don the captain’s blazer.

In other team news, selectors made a surprising decision by dropping veteran spinner Nathan Lyon for the first home Test since 2012 at Brisbane, prompting an emotional response from the 38-year-old. McDonald, who sits on the selection panel, acknowledged Lyon’s disappointment but emphasized that the experienced spinner would continue to have an important role to play in the remainder of the series.

Australia, holding the Ashes urn, will aim to consolidate their lead in the series while coping with key player absences, as England also faces challenges with injuries to their bowling lineup. The Adelaide Test promises to be a crucial encounter as both sides prepare for the next phase of the historic rivalry.

#Global News #Sports News