Will Injured Hazlewood Miss the Ashes While Cummins Makes His Comeback?
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Synopsis
In a significant blow to Australia, pace bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out for the remainder of the Ashes series due to injury setbacks. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins is on track to return as captain for the crucial third Test in Adelaide, promising to reshape the team's dynamics as they face England.
Key Takeaways
- Hazlewood ruled out for the series due to injury.
- Cummins likely to return as captain in Adelaide.
- Focus on recovery ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.
- Possible return of Nathan Lyon for final Tests.
- New pace options being considered for upcoming matches.
Brisbane, Dec 9 (NationPress) Australia’s pace bowler Josh Hazlewood will no longer participate in the remainder of the series following a recent injury complication, while Pat Cummins is poised to take over as captain for the upcoming third Test in Adelaide.
On Tuesday, coach Andrew McDonald disclosed that Hazlewood, who encountered a hamstring strain during Sheffield Shield play last month and then faced another setback with an Achilles injury last week, will be sidelined for the remainder of the series against England.
Hazlewood's focus will now shift toward his recovery in anticipation of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is set to kick off on February 7.
“It’s really disappointing for him. We didn’t foresee these setbacks. We had high hopes for him to be a key player in the series. It’s tough to see him miss this chance,” McDonald expressed to the media on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Cummins, who was nearing a return while managing his lower-back injury, has made unexpected progress and is now nearly guaranteed to play in the third Test.
“There won’t be any match opportunities for Pat before Adelaide. This approach has worked for him after significant layoffs, as we’ve dedicated time to rebuilding his physical condition,” McDonald noted.
“He was training at Allan Border Field while the rest of the team was at the Gabba, simulating match conditions with multiple bowling spells.
“We believe he’ll be as prepared as possible. His recovery has exceeded our projections, making for productive discussions about his potential appearance in Brisbane.
“With this in mind and seeing his advancement, we’re confident he’ll be positioned well for the challenges in Adelaide, although it’s still a distance away.”
Additionally, veteran spinner Nathan Lyon is expected to return for the last three Tests after being left out of the pink-ball match at the Gabba.
As for selection, two of Boland, Michael Neser, and Brendon Doggett are likely to miss out in Adelaide, allowing Australia to introduce fresh pace options for the concluding two Tests.
“We believed we could manage the gap between Tests one and two, and then two and three.”
“Now, with Pat’s significant inclusion, which will be officially announced tomorrow, we’re looking at a different balance in our attack,” McDonald concluded.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge that while the absence of Hazlewood is a setback for Australia, the potential return of Cummins could rejuvenate the team. The focus on player recovery and strategic planning is essential as the series progresses against England.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Josh Hazlewood missing the rest of the series?
Josh Hazlewood is missing the series due to a hamstring strain and a subsequent Achilles injury.
Who will captain Australia in the third Test?
Pat Cummins is set to captain Australia in the third Test in Adelaide.
When does the ICC Men's T20 World Cup start?
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup begins on February 7.
What is the significance of Cummins' return?
Cummins' return is crucial as it could significantly enhance Australia's bowling attack against England.
Is Nathan Lyon expected to return?
Yes, Nathan Lyon is anticipated to return for the final three Tests of the series.
