Australia’s Hazlewood Ruled Out of First Ashes Test with Hamstring Strain, Neser Called Up
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australia has suffered a blow to their bowling attack with Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the first Ashes Test against england in Perth due to a hamstring strain. The injury was initially unclear after Wednesday’s scans, but follow-up imaging confirmed the issue, preventing him from participating in the match. https://www.cricket.com.au/news/josh-hazlewood-hamstring-injury-ashes-perth-test-michael-neser-selection/2023/07/05 Michael Neser has been called up as a replacement and is already in Perth after playing in the Sheffield Shield.
This adds to Australia’s fast bowling injury concerns, with captain Pat Cummins also managing a workload, and Sean Abbott previously ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Hazlewood’s Injury and Recovery
Initial scans on Wednesday were inconclusive, leading to hope that Hazlewood might be available. Though, further inquiry revealed a hamstring strain. Cricket Australia noted that low-grade muscle injuries can sometimes be underestimated in early scans. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ashes-2023-josh-hazlewood-ruled-out-of-first-test-with-hamstring-injury-13831991 There is currently no timeline beyond the first Test for Hazlewood’s return.
Cummins Expected to Return in Brisbane
While Hazlewood is sidelined, captain Pat Cummins is expected to be fit for the second Test in Brisbane, where he will resume captaincy duties from Steve Smith. https://www.cricket.com.au/news/josh-hazlewood-hamstring-injury-ashes-perth-test-michael-neser-selection/2023/07/05
Other Fast Bowling Options
Australia is facing a shortage of available fast bowlers. Spencer Johnson and Lance Morris are currently long-term absentees due to injury.Jhye richardson,recovering from shoulder surgery,is another potential option later in the series and will feature in a Cricket Australia XI match against England Lions next weekend as part of his comeback.https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ashes-2023-josh-hazlewood-ruled-out-of-first-test-with-hamstring-injury-13831991
Michael Neser Steps In
Neser’s selection provides a familiar face and a proven performer in domestic cricket. He was already in Perth playing for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield, making him readily available for the Test. He was chosen ahead of Fergus O’Neill. https://www.cricket.com.au/news/josh-hazlewood-hamstring-injury-ashes-perth-test-michael-neser-selection/2023/07/05
Key Takeaways:
* Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test due to a hamstring strain.
* Michael Neser has been selected as his replacement.
* Pat Cummins is expected to return for the second Test in brisbane.
* Australia is dealing with several fast bowling injuries, including those to Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, and Lance Morris.
* Jhye Richardson is working his way back to fitness and will play in a warm-up match.
The Australian team will need to rely on their remaining pace bowlers and Neser to make an impact in the first Test. The situation highlights the importance of depth in the squad, and the team will be hoping for
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