The Australian fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood, has been put on the sidelines for the first Ashes Test, which is another blow to the list of perplexing injuries that Australia has been having. The fact that Hazlewood has fallen is a huge blow on the part of the team particularly given that the series is at hand. This is a bad time he misses especially because Sean Abbott has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury, which further reduced the pace options of Australia. This is another setback as Pat Cummins is already out of the first Test after he was diagnosed with a back injury.
CA Statement Clarifies Injury After Initial Uncertainty
Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed Hazlewood’s injury through follow-up imaging
“Initial scans Wednesday were clear of muscle strain, however follow-up imaging today has confirmed the injury,” a CA statement said.
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“Early imaging can occasionally underestimate low-grade muscle injuries.”
The latest development puts more pressure on Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland to perform well in the absence of their important teammate.
Who is Josh Hazlewood’s replacement?
Michael Neser has been added to the Australian squad after Josh Hazlewood got injured and the seamer from Queensland will also be covering up for Sean Abott who got hamstring sprain during Sheffield Shield match.
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Promising Performances Cut Short By Hazlewood’s Recurring Injuries
Josh Hazlewood, arrived in the Ashes in fine shape after a good white-ball series against India last month. He also appeared fit in his latest Sheffield Shield appearance prior to reporting about the tight hamstring issues to the skipper, Steven Smith. Nevertheless, he has been experiencing injuries over the last year and in the last season, Hazelwood missed three out of five Test against India due to side strain and a calf problem. His most recent injury is another issue with regard to his general fitness before a new crucial Test series.
