Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England due to a hamstring strain. Hazlewood had to get repeat imaging to confirm his injury. This sudden announcement makes for a pretty shaky looking Australian pace bowling attack ahead of the series opener in Perth.
At first, Hazlewood had been given the all clear to play after he suffered the hamstring issue while in action for New South Wales. But after more tests, the full extent of the strain was discovered, ruling the Australia out of action and leaving Australia without one of their top bowlers. This absence significantly depletes Australia’s bowling options, especially considering Hazlewood’s impressive record of 295 wickets in 76 Tests.
Four years ago, Hazlewood and Australia suffered a humiliation in the Ashes series. He was limited to just one game due to a nagging oblique injury. His availability for games after the first Test is still up in the air. This uncertainty compounds the challenges the Australian team has as they prepare to defend their turf against their competitors.
Hazlewood’s absence creates an opening for other bowlers in the squad. Scott Boland, known for his exceptional average of 12 in Australia, and Brendan Doggett, recognized for his speed and fine form, are among those likely to step up in Hazlewood’s absence.
“There’s a little window of opportunity, potentially, England will identify, not having Hazlewood or Cummins in Perth,” – an unnamed cricket analyst.
With both Hazlewood and potentially Captain Pat Cummins missing, England have their opportunity. They have ample opportunity to capitalize on the significantly weakened Australian lineup. Experts are warning that Australia still has some serious legit bowling talent.
“They might see that as a bit of a sniff of an opportunity, but I would say just beware,” – the same analyst added.
Australia’s depth in pace bowling will be sorely tested as they seek a nightmare non-lethal Ashes series start. While Hazlewood’s absence is certainly a loss, Boland and Doggett are on fire and ready to step up in a big way. The team’s mental adjustment process begins as they lose their critical key bowler. It’ll be all eyes on Perth when the opening Test gets underway.
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