Australia have copped another massive blow, less than a week out from the first Test match, with Josh Hazlewood officially ruled out.
Hazlewood had been sent for scans on a hamstring issue during New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria on Thursday but was cleared of major damage.
However, 7News has reported that the 34-year-old reported consistent tightness to Cricket Australia on Saturday afternoon and has officially been ruled out of the first Test.
“Early imaging can occasionally underestimate low-grade muscle injuries,” Cricket Australia said in a release.
It leaves selectors scrambling after backup quick Sean Abbott was already ruled out, while captain Pat Cummins is on the comeback from a back issue.
It means Mitchell Starc is the only frontline pace bowler fit for the first Test, at could leave the door open for South Australian Brendan Doggett for a Perth debut.
Doggett has taken two five-wicket hauls since returning from a hamstring injury for South Australia and is one of the form red-ball bowlers in the country.
“He’s been bowling really well the last couple of games from what I’ve seen,” Cummins said of Doggett on Wednesday.
“He’s really well placed to be vying for a spot in that first Test. It’s always nice to have a squad full of people in form and he’s certainly one of those guys.”
Michael Neser has been brought in to cover for both Hazlewood and Abbott, meaning Australia will go into Perth one man short of a full squad.
Neither Hazlewood or Abbott will travel to Perth.
The latest injury blow may also see selectors try and squeeze both Cameron Green and Beau Webster into the team to add more bowling cover to take the pressure off Stac and Scott Boland.
More to come…
