Adelaide: Major setback for Australia as star fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series and the entire Test summer due to injury.
Injury Blow
Hazlewood first suffered a hamstring injury during the Sheffield Shield last month, which kept him out of the opening two Tests against England. Just as hopes of a return were rising, the right-arm quick endured another setback last week when he injured his Achilles.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the news, saying: “Unfortunately, Josh won’t be a part of the Ashes. Really, really flat for him. A couple of setbacks that we didn’t see coming, and we thought he would play a huge part in the series.”
McDonald added that Hazlewood will now shift his focus to recovering in time for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7, 2026.
Josh Hazlewood is set to miss the Ashes he has 295 wickets in just 143 innings at a mere average of 24.22. Mitchell Starc won't get much rest that means#Ashes2025pic.twitter.com/5Te0KlGKAH
— SanjayGandhi (@SanjayGandhi41) December 9, 2025
Cummins Set to Return
While Hazlewood’s absence is a huge blow, Australia will be boosted by the likely return of skipper Pat Cummins for the third Test in Adelaide. McDonald revealed that Cummins is “almost certain” to feature, having completed simulated match practice after missing the Gabba Test.
Series So Far
- First Test (Perth): Australia won by eight wickets
- Second Test (Gabba): Australia won by eight wickets
- Third Test (Adelaide Oval): December 17–21
- Fourth Test (MCG): December 26–30
- Fifth Test (SCG): January 4–8
With a commanding 2–0 lead, Australia remain favorites, but Hazlewood’s absence could test their bowling depth as the series progresses.
Looking Ahead
Hazlewood’s injury underscores the physical demands of Test cricket and the challenges of maintaining fitness across formats.
His absence will be felt not only in the Ashes but also in Australia’s broader Test summer. Fans will now look to Cummins and the rest of the pace attack to carry the momentum forward.
Game on! Track the buzz in football, tennis, Cricket, and more in PanAsiaBiz's Sports section.
From pitch to court and ring to track, PanAsiaBiz brings the action closer.
