Josh Hazlewood, the Australian fast bowler, has faced an injury scare ahead of the highly anticipated Ashes series against England. This concern arises just days before the first Test, set to commence on November 21 at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Hazlewood’s Injury Details
The 34-year-old Hazlewood left the field during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Victoria due to hamstring tightness. He was visibly limping but managed to shake hands after the match, which New South Wales lost by 300 runs. Fortunately, a statement from Cricket Australia confirmed that Hazlewood did not sustain a muscle strain, following precautionary scans.
Update on Team Composition
With Hazlewood cleared for training, he is expected to participate in preparations for the first Test. However, Australia will be without captain Pat Cummins, who has been ruled out due to a back injury. Another player, Sean Abbott, also faces exclusion after suffering a moderate grade hamstring injury during the same game against Victoria.
Implications for the Ashes Test
Steve Smith will step in as captain for the opening Test. The Australian squad includes:
- Steve Smith (captain)
- Scott Boland
- Alex Carey
- Brendan Doggett
- Cameron Green
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Nathan Lyon
- Mitchell Starc
- Jake Weatherald
- Beau Webster
Abbott, who was included as a backup, will not be available as he develops his return-to-play plan over the next few weeks.
Player Performances and Future Prospects
Despite the setback, Smith delivered a strong performance in the recent match, scoring 56 not out and demonstrating his experience. Meanwhile, Brendan Doggett’s recent five-wicket haul positions him as a potential key player for the Test team.
Upcoming Schedule
The Ashes series will feature several Tests:
| Test | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| First Test | November 21-25 | Optus Stadium, Perth |
| Second Test | December 4-8 | The Gabba, Brisbane (day/night) |
| Third Test | December 17-21 | Adelaide Oval |
| Fourth Test | December 25-29 | Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| Fifth Test | January 4-8 | Sydney Cricket Ground |
The Ashes series will be crucial for both teams, particularly as they seek to establish dominance in this long-standing rivalry.
