The Ashes 2025-26: Big blow for Australia as Josh Hazlewood gets ruled out of the Perth test due to hamstring injury

Michael Neser has been added to Australia’s squad for the Perth test after Josh Hazlewood was ruled out.

Australian Cricket Team have suffered a big blow ahead of the first test of The Ashes 2025-26 as pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the game due to a hamstring injury. On Saturday, November 15, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that Hazlewood has sustained a right hamstring injury, which was revealed in follow-up scans.

Notably, the right-arm pacer recently complained of muscle strain while playing for New South Wales in Sheffield Shield 2025-26. However, he was cleared of any injury in the initial scans on Wednesday. Later, it was revealed that he has sustained a right hamstring injury, which has ruled him out of the opening match.

Hazlewood’s injury adds to more trouble for Australia, who will be without their regular captain Pat Cummins in the Perth test. Earlier this week, Sean Abbott was also ruled out of the Perth test after sustaining a hamstring injury. With Hazlewood getting ruled out of the game, Brendan Doggett is highly likely to make his test debut in the Perth test.

In an official statement, CA revealed that Hazlewood has sustained a hamstring injury.

“Initial scans Wednesday were clear of muscle strain, however follow-up imaging today has confirmed the injury. Early imaging can occasionally underestimate low-grade muscle injuries,” CA said.

Michael Neser added as cover to Australia squad after Josh Hazlewood’s ouster

Moreover, Australia have brought in pacer Michael Neser as a cover in the squad for the first test after Hazlewood and Abbott’s ouster.

Below is Australia’s updated squad for the Perth test. Steve Smith will captain the hosts in the clash, which will start on November 21 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Australia’s updated squad for the first test of The Ashes 2025-26: Steve Smith (C), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.

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