Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Ashes 2025-26 opener; Uncapped pacer to make his debut

Australia have suffered a major blow ahead of the Ashes 2025-26 opener against England in Perth, with Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to a hamstring injury. With Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, and skipper Pat Cummins unavailable, Brendan Doggett is expected to make his debut for the national cricket team.

Hazlewood sustained a hamstring injury while representing New South Wales in their Sheffield Shield match against Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground earlier in the week. Initial medical tests cleared the veteran fast bowler of any major damage. However, scans conducted on Saturday confirmed the strain.

Cricket Australia Issues Official Statement on Josh Hazlewood’s Injury

On Saturday, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that a second round of scans revealed a hamstring strain for Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood has been withdrawn from traveling to Perth and will miss the Ashes opener.

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“Josh Hazlewood underwent repeat imaging today that has confirmed a hamstring strain injury. Initial scans Wednesday were clear of muscle strain however follow-up imaging today has confirmed the injury."

“Early imaging can occasionally underestimate low-grade muscle injuries. As a result, Hazlewood will not travel to Perth and has been ruled out," said CA in its statement.

Brendan Doggett Expected to Make Test Debut in Perth

Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out after scans confirmed a hamstring strain. Pat Cummins has been out of action for over three months due to a lower back injury sustained against the West Indies. He is targeting a return for the second Test in Brisbane in December.

Sean Abbott, meanwhile, also suffered a hamstring issue during New South Wales’ recent Sheffield Shield fixture. With Hazlewood, Cummins, and Abbott all unavailable, Australia’s pace attack will be led by Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.

Uncapped pacer Brendan Doggett, who has impressed with two five-wicket hauls for South Australia since returning from injury, is expected to make his Test debut in Perth.

Cameron Green recently increased his bowling workload following back surgery. The all-rounder may be required to shoulder a heavier burden in the absence of Australia’s premier quicks.

England Fast Bowler Mark Wood Doubtful Ahead of Ashes Opener

England fast bowler Mark Wood is also doubtful ahead of the Ashes opener in Perth. The 35-year-old pacer underwent scans after leaving the field with hamstring stiffness during England’s warm-up game at Lilac Hill, where he bowled eight wicketless overs.

The scans revealed no serious damage. However, as a precautionary measure, Wood was advised not to bowl on the third day of the intra-squad match. Team management will assess his workload carefully before deciding on his participation in the first Test against Australia, which begins next Friday.

England are expected to manage Wood cautiously, given his history of injury setbacks and the long Ashes series ahead. The Three Lions last won a Test series on Australian soil in 2010-11. However, they have struggled in recent away Ashes campaigns.

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