Josh Hazlewood set to miss out Perth Test:Michael Neser joins AUS Team ahead of The Ashes 2025; Brandon Doggett likely to make debut for Australia

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test in Perth, scheduled for November 21, after a hamstring issue was confirmed. Although the initial scan showed no damage, a follow-up scan revealed the injury, prompting Cricket Australia to withdraw him from the series opener. Josh Hazlewood suffers a hamstring injury in the Sheffield Shield
On November 13, during the third day of the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Victoria at the SCG, Hazlewood felt tightness in his right hamstring at the end of the innings. After lunch, both he and pacer Sean Abbott left the field. Both were scanned as a precaution.
Abbott’s scan confirmed the injury and he was already ruled out, while Hazlewood’s first report came back normal. Cricket Australia confirms Josh Hazlewood’s unavailability
Cricket Australia said that initial imaging did not show muscle strain, but follow-up revealed a low-grade injury. Often, initial reports fail to detect minor strains. Michael Neser replaces Australia pacer ahead of The Ashes
Hazlewood will not travel to Perth. Queensland fast bowler Michael Neser has been included in the team in his place.
Meanwhile, Australia’s regular captain Pat Cummins is also out of the first Test. Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson and Spencer Johnson are already injured. Brendan Doggett’s likely to make his Test debut against England
With Hazlewood and Cummins out, there will be additional responsibility on Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.
31-year-old Brendan Doggett might also get a chance. He has taken 13 wickets in Sheffield Shield this season and has recently recovered from a hamstring strain. If he plays, he will become Australia’s third Indigenous male Test player. This will be the first time two Indigenous players (Doggett and Boland) will be included in the Test XI. Relief for England – Mark Wood fit
Meanwhile, it’s a relief for the England team as ECB has declared Mark Wood fit. Hazlewood’s Recent Performance Was Outstanding
After taking 295 Test wickets, Hazlewood recently showed excellent form in the white-ball series against India. While playing for NSW, after completing overs on the third day, he reported hamstring tightness to captain Steve Smith, after which he was immediately asked to leave the field. Cummins’ Return Efforts Continue
Cummins said that he is trying to be fit for the Gabba Test. He has started bowling in the nets at almost 90% intensity, but achieving red-ball fitness in four weeks is challenging.