Australia’s Ashes preparations have suffered a significant setback with the announcement of the exclusion of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood for the opening Test in Perth due to a hamstring strain which already undermines their already feeble pace attack. This is a double blow, as Sean Abbott is also out for the first match due to a hamstring injury.
Players injured and unavailable for the 1st Ashes Test
- Josh Hazlewood: ruled out of the 1st Test with a confirmed hamstring injury.
- Sean Abbott: ruled out of the 1st Test due to a hamstring injury.
- Pat Cummins: managing lumbar bone stress and will miss the Perth Test.
- Mark Wood (England): suffered hamstring stiffness but has been scanned and cleared to play.
Impact on Australia’s Bowling Attack
Australia’s fast-bowling artillery is really weak since the three frontline quicks: Cummins, Hazlewood, and Abbott are not available. The anticipated seam bowling unit now includes Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon mainly as bowlers.
To replace Hazlewood and Abbott, Michael Neser has been incorporated into the squad by Australia. He has played in Tests before but has never played in Ashes conditions. There are also uncapped options like Brendan Doggett who is being considered as a backup.
Also read: Injury Update: What Happened to Shubman Gill? Will He Play 2nd Test in Guwahati?
England’s Injury News
For England, the hamstring stiffness suffered by Mark Wood during a warm-up match was concerning, but scans turned out to be clear. He has been declared fit for the Perth Test and could lead their pace attack.
What This Means for the Ashes
This is a massive loss for Australia. The absence of Hazlewood and Abbott together with Cummins before the first Test makes their bowling attack less potent and increases the load on the other bowlers. It also gives a mental advantage to England, who can now confront a less powerful bowling attack.
Australia will have to count on experience and take great care in handling their bowling load. Conversely, England will feel that they can exploit this vulnerability in the host’s bowling attack.
Written By:- Manjunath S