Injured Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Ashes 2025-26: Details here
What's the story
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been officially ruled out of the remainder of the 2025-26 Ashes series due to a fresh injury setback. The news was confirmed by coach Andrew McDonald on Tuesday, December 9. Hazlewood had been recovering from a hamstring strain sustained during last month's Sheffield Shield but aggravated his Achilles last week, ending any chance of featuring against England this summer.
Team adjustments
Hazlewood's injury impacts Australia's pace plans
Hazlewood's absence from the series means Australia will have to rethink their pace strategy for the last three Tests. However, there is some good news for Pat Cummins, who is likely to take over as captain in next week's Adelaide Test. Despite not playing since July due to a lower-back injury, Cummins impressed during match-simulation spells at Allan Border Field. Notably, the Aussies won the first two games of the series.
Stats
Hazlewood boasts 29 Test wickets
Coming to his Test numbers, Hazlewood boasts 295 scalps from 76 Test matches at an average of 24.21. He has picked up 13 five-wicket hauls in Australia whites. 76 of his scalps have come in the Ashes at 25.97. Meanwhile, the veteran pacer averages 22.70 Down Under, having claimed 168 wickets.
Squad updates
Nathan Lyon's potential return and other team changes
Nathan Lyon is also likely to return for the final three Tests after missing the pink-ball Test in Brisbane. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc, who leads the series with 18 wickets from two Tests, carried a minor left-side niggle through the Gabba but remains fit for Adelaide. Australia are aware of the tight turnaround between matches with Starc and Scott Boland already having heavy workloads.
Future prospects
Probable changes for upcoming Tests
With Cummins and Lyon likely to return, two of Boland, Michael Neser, and Brendan Doggett are expected to miss out in Adelaide. This will give fresh pace options for the Melbourne and Sydney Tests. Jhye Richardson also remains a potential late-series consideration after bowling 26 overs for Australia A last week.