Australia Loses Hazlewood for Ashes; Cummins Set to Return

Australia’s fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been officially ruled out of the remaining matches in the Ashes series due to persistent injuries affecting his Achilles and hamstring. Coach Andrew McDonald announced on December 9 that Hazlewood would not participate after missing Australia’s victories in the first two Tests against England held in Perth and Brisbane.

“Really flat for him,” McDonald expressed during a press conference. “A couple of setbacks that we didn’t see coming. We thought he’d play a huge part in the series. But I really feel for him that he won’t get that opportunity.”

Hazlewood’s absence creates a significant gap in the Australian bowling lineup. Meanwhile, the team anticipates the return of regular captain and fast bowler Pat Cummins for the next Test in Adelaide. Australia currently leads the five-Test series 2-0 and can retain the Ashes with a draw in the upcoming match.

Cummins has also missed the initial Tests due to a lower back injury, but McDonald confirmed that he has passed fitness assessments. “He was out at Allan Border Field while everyone was at the Gabba. He simulated pretty much what a match will look like out there with multiple spells,” McDonald noted.

The coach expressed confidence in Cummins’ readiness for the Adelaide Test, stating, “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.”

With Hazlewood sidelined, Australia will need to rely on its remaining bowlers to maintain momentum in the series. The upcoming Test in Adelaide promises to be a pivotal moment, as the team seeks to secure the Ashes for another year while grappling with the challenges of injuries and team dynamics.