Australia’s fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the entire Ashes series due to ongoing injury issues, head coach Andrew McDonald announced on Tuesday.
McDonald confirmed that the key pacer won’t participate in any of the five Tests against England, having already missed the initial games in Perth and Brisbane.
“It’s really disappointing for him,” McDonald commented on Tuesday.
“We encountered a few unexpected setbacks. We initially anticipated he’d play a significant role in the series. It’s unfortunate he won’t have that chance.”
Hazlewood initially strained his hamstring before Perth and recently suffered a new injury while on his recovery path.
“The injury is located somewhere between the lower calf and Achilles,” McDonald described the latest setback.
The news of Hazlewood’s absence coincided with England’s announcement that their own pace bowler, Mark Wood, would also miss the rest of the series due to a knee injury.
McDonald noted that regular captain and fast bowler Pat Cummins is expected to return for the Adelaide Test, where Australia could retain the Ashes with a draw.
Australia, current holders of the Ashes, lead the five-Test series 2-0.
Cummins, who missed the opening Tests due to a lower back injury, demonstrated his fitness through match simulations in Brisbane, McDonald stated.
“He trained at Allan Border Field while the team was at the Gabba, simulating match scenarios with multiple spells,” he added.
“We believe the practice has prepared him well in terms of skills. His body is ready.
“Unless something unforeseen happens this week, I expect Pat to be ready to lead the team.”
Australia’s selectors made a surprising decision to drop Nathan Lyon for his first home Test since 2012 in Brisbane, which prompted an emotional response from the 38-year-old spinner.
McDonald, a member of the selection panel, stated that Lyon had every reason to feel disappointed but assured he would play a “significant role” in the remainder of the series.
