Australia Suffer Major Blow Ahead of Ashes Opener as Hazlewood Ruled Out
Australia’s preparations for the 2025/26 Ashes series have taken a massive hit as Josh Hazlewood has officially been ruled out of the opening Test against England, dealing a severe blow to their bowling attack just days before the series begins.
The setback comes after follow-up medical scans confirmed a hamstring injury, sidelining the veteran pacer for the first match at The Gabba on November 21, 2025.
For a team already facing injury headaches, Hazlewood’s absence adds to mounting concerns ahead of cricket’s most prestigious Test rivalry.
Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out of the First Ashes Test
Hazlewood’s injury was sustained during a Sheffield Shield match, initially dismissed as a minor niggle. Early reports suggested no muscle tear, raising hopes that he could recover in time.
However, second-round scans revealed hamstring strain, prompting Cricket Australia’s medical staff to withdraw him from the squad as a precautionary measure.
“We’re disappointed for Josh, but player welfare is our top priority. He’ll continue his rehab with the medical team and aim to return later in the series,” a team official confirmed.
The decision was made just six days before the Ashes opener, leaving selectors scrambling to rebalance their bowling lineup.
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Australia’s Pace Department in Crisis
The timing couldn’t be worse for Australia. Captain Pat Cummins has already been ruled out of the first Test due to an injury sustained during training, while Sean Abbott remains unavailable after a side strain.
This means Australia’s once fearsome pace trio — Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc — will not be reunited for the opening Test.
The selectors have now called up Michael Neser as a late replacement, while Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland are expected to lead the attack.
| Player | Status | Injury Type |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Hazlewood | Out of 1st Test | Hamstring strain |
| Pat Cummins | Out | Side strain |
| Sean Abbott | Unavailable | Side strain |
| Michael Neser | Added to squad | Replacement |
| Mitchell Starc | Fit | Lead pacer |
| Scott Boland | Fit | Second pacer |
The burden now shifts to Mitchell Starc, who will be expected to deliver early breakthroughs, and Boland, who will aim to replicate his 2021 heroics against England.
Hazlewood’s Absence a Tactical Setback
Hazlewood’s exclusion is a significant tactical loss. Known for his accuracy, control, and consistency, the pacer has historically tormented English batsmen.
He has taken 76 wickets against England in Test cricket, often serving as the perfect foil to Cummins and Starc with his disciplined seam movement.
His absence not only deprives Australia of experience but also disrupts their bowling rhythm and match plans, especially on a Brisbane surface known for early seam and bounce.
“Losing a bowler like Hazlewood is like losing a pillar of the attack. His ability to build pressure from one end allows the others to strike,” said former Australian pacer Brett Lee.
England’s Perspective – Advantage in Brisbane?
England, meanwhile, will not be complaining. Hazlewood has been one of their toughest opponents, particularly in home conditions. His absence gives England’s top order — including Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Joe Root — a slight reprieve in what is traditionally a bowler-dominated contest.
However, the visitors aren’t without problems of their own.
- Mark Wood is nursing a hamstring concern, putting his participation in doubt.
- Brydon Carse missed most of England’s warm-up match due to a stomach bug.
With both sides battling injuries, the opening Test could become an unpredictable affair — one where bench strength and adaptability determine the outcome.
Ashes 2025/26 – Opening Test Details
| Fixture | Australia vs England – 1st Test (Ashes 2025/26) |
|---|---|
| Venue | The Gabba, Brisbane |
| Start Date | November 21, 2025 |
| Duration | 5 Days |
| Toss Timing | 9:30 AM Local Time |
| Umpires | TBA |
| TV Broadcast | Fox Sports, Sky Sports, PTV Sports |
| Live Streaming | Kayo Sports, SonyLIV, Sky Go |
Michael Neser Called Up as Replacement
Michael Neser, the Queensland seamer, has been drafted into the squad as injury cover for Hazlewood.
A seasoned campaigner in domestic cricket, Neser brings accuracy, swing, and familiarity with Gabba conditions — traits that could make him a valuable inclusion.
The 35-year-old has consistently performed for Brisbane Heat and Queensland Bulls, and his ability to generate movement with the new ball makes him a natural fit for Australian pitches.
“If anyone deserves this opportunity, it’s Neser. He’s been knocking on the door for years,” said Australian selector George Bailey.
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Australia’s Probable Playing XI Without Hazlewood
Despite multiple absences, Australia still boasts a strong lineup.
Probable XI:
- David Warner
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith (captain for 1st Test)
- Travis Head
- Cameron Green
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Mitchell Starc
- Scott Boland
- Nathan Lyon
- Michael Neser
The team management has confirmed that Steve Smith will captain the side in Cummins’ absence, ensuring leadership continuity in the opening fixture.
Ashes History – Australia vs England Head-to-Head
The Ashes rivalry dates back to 1882, making it one of the oldest and most iconic contests in world cricket.
- Total Ashes Series Played: 73
- Australia Wins: 34
- England Wins: 32
- Drawn: 7
In recent years, Australia has enjoyed the upper hand, especially at home. The last Ashes series in 2021/22 ended 4–0 in Australia’s favor, with Hazlewood and Starc playing key roles.
England will see this as a chance to end that dominance, especially with key Australian bowlers missing early in the series.
Why Hazlewood’s Injury is So Critical
Hazlewood’s absence goes beyond just numbers. His partnership with Pat Cummins forms the backbone of Australia’s bowling strategy.
Both bowlers maintain relentless pressure, forcing mistakes from opposition batsmen. Without Hazlewood’s steady line and length, Australia could struggle to control the run flow, allowing England’s aggressive batters — particularly Ben Stokes and Harry Brook — to dictate terms.
Hazlewood’s injury also means a heavier workload for Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, who will need to bowl long spells in potentially hot Brisbane conditions.
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England’s Preparations and Challenges
On the English side, Ben Stokes has downplayed injury concerns but admitted that balancing workload across bowlers will be crucial.
England’s pace attack, including James Anderson, Ollie Robinson, and Mark Wood, faces the challenge of maintaining fitness over five demanding Tests.
Additionally, England’s record at The Gabba is poor — they haven’t won there since 1986. However, with Hazlewood and Cummins missing, Stokes’ men might sense an opportunity to break the streak and start the series with momentum.
Fans React to Hazlewood’s Exclusion
Australian fans reacted with frustration on social media, expressing concern over the team’s recurring injury woes just before major tournaments.
Many questioned the tight domestic schedule, while others backed the selectors’ cautious decision to prioritize long-term fitness.
“It’s disappointing, but Hazlewood’s health is more important than one Test,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“We’ve got the depth to handle this if Starc and Boland deliver,” another added.
What It Means for the Rest of the Series
Although Hazlewood will miss the opener, Cricket Australia remains optimistic that he can recover in time for the second Test in Adelaide.
The extended gap between the first two matches provides a window for rehabilitation. However, team management will not rush his return, considering Australia’s long-term goal of retaining the Ashes.
If the injury persists, selectors may need to look at emerging fast bowlers like Lance Morris or Jhye Richardson as potential replacements for the middle stages of the series.
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The Ashes 2025/26 Schedule (Confirmed Fixtures)
| Test Match | Venue | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | The Gabba, Brisbane | Nov 21–25, 2025 |
| 2nd Test | Adelaide Oval | Dec 5–9, 2025 |
| 3rd Test | Melbourne Cricket Ground | Dec 26–30, 2025 |
| 4th Test | Sydney Cricket Ground | Jan 3–7, 2026 |
| 5th Test | Perth Stadium | Jan 16–20, 2026 |
Conclusion About Josh Hazlewood ruled out Ashes 2025:
Josh Hazlewood’s injury has left Australia’s Ashes campaign off to a shaky start, depriving them of one of their most reliable fast bowlers just before the first Test. With Pat Cummins and Sean Abbott also sidelined, the hosts face a daunting challenge against a determined England side eager to end their winless streak in Australia.
As the cricketing world awaits the Ashes 2025/26 opener at The Gabba, both teams find themselves juggling fitness concerns and tactical reshuffles — setting the stage for yet another thrilling and unpredictable series between two of cricket’s oldest rivals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Josh Hazlewood not playing the first Ashes Test?
He has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in a domestic Sheffield Shield match.
2. When will Hazlewood return to action?
He’s expected to recover before the second Test in Adelaide, pending medical clearance.
3. Who will replace Hazlewood in the squad?
Michael Neser has been called up as a replacement fast bowler.
4. Who will captain Australia in Cummins’ absence?
Steve Smith will lead the team for the first Test at The Gabba.
5. What is Hazlewood’s record against England?
He has taken 76 wickets in Ashes contests, making him one of the most successful pacers against England.
