Josh Hazlewood ruled out of remainder of Ashes 2025-26; Pat Cummins likely to make comeback on…

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has not recovered from the leg issues that kept him out of the opening two Tests of the Ashes 2025-26 series against England. Head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that ongoing hamstring and Achilles problems have ruled Hazlewood out for the remainder of the series.

Australia played the first two Tests without Cummins and Hazlewood. While Cummins has recovered in time to rejoin the attack for the third Test in Adelaide, Hazlewood hasn’t been as lucky. His injury troubles have ended any hope of him featuring later in the series, closing the door on a potential comeback.

I’d Be Expecting Pat Cummins to Be Tossing the Coin - Andrew McDonald

On Tuesday, Andrew McDonald confirmed that Pat Cummins is fully prepared to rejoin the side for the next Ashes Test. The coach revealed that Cummins will be back leading the team unless something unexpected happens before the game.

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"We feel as though the simulation in the nets has got him skill ready. His body's ready to go. Barring anything else happening in the next week, I'd be expecting Pat to be tossing the coin and putting the blazer on," McDonald said.

Josh Hazlewood’s Preparation Will Now Shift Toward the World Cup - Andrew McDonald

Andrew McDonald said that Josh Hazlewood won’t take part in the remainder of the Ashes. McDonald added that the team hadn’t expected an Achilles issue while he was recovering from a hamstring injury. The coach also said that he will shift his focus toward preparing for the T20 World Cup 2026.

"Unfortunately, Josh won't be a part of the Ashes," McDonald said. "Really, really flat for him. A couple of setbacks that we didn't see coming, and we thought he would play a huge part in the series.

"It's a totally separate injury. It's somewhere lower in the calf to Achilles region. His preparation will then shift towards the World Cup, which is an incredibly important campaign for us."

Australia have dominated the Ashes so far, winning both matches under Steve Smith. The side has outplayed Ben Stokes’ England team, leaving the visitors searching for answers after two one-sided contests.

We Will Always Ask Ourselves the Question - Andrew McDonald

Usman Khawaja has been cleared to play ahead of the third Test. While he is their first-choice opener, his return isn’t guaranteed for the upcoming match. In his absence, Australia tried Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, who played key roles with the bat in the Brisbane Test.

Andrew McDonald said the team won’t lock themselves into any fixed ideas just because Khawaja is back. He added that selections will be decided Test by Test, based on conditions and strategy rather than reputation.

"It worked at this point in time," McDonald said. "Pink-ball Test at the Gabba, we felt like that combination was right for those conditions and the opposition. We will always ask ourselves the question that the selection table as we move in. At our strategy meetings, we'll continue to ask questions on what the best line-up is for that point in time. And we're taking this Test by Test."

Also read: Suryakumar Yadav issues statement on Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya’s inclusion in XI for 1st T20I