Australia without two key players for Ashes opener against England

FootballSports
15 Nov 2025 • 6:14 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England due to a hamstring strain.
  • Hazlewood's absence follows captain Pat Cummins also being sidelined with back pain, leaving Australia without two key quicks for the Perth opener.
  • Initial scans on Hazlewood's hamstring were clear, but follow-up imaging confirmed a muscle strain, preventing him from travelling to Perth.
  • Scott Boland is set to deputise for Cummins, while uncapped Brendan Doggett and veteran Michael Neser have been added to the squad as cover.
  • England's Mark Wood was cleared of any serious hamstring concerns after experiencing stiffness, and will continue to train for the first Test.

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