Aussies rocked as star ruled out of Ashes

Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test.

With Australia already missing captain Pat Cummins, Hazlewood’s injury is a massive blow for the host nation.

Cricket Australia has confirmed Hazlewood has been unable to prove his fitness as he manages a hamstring injury just six days before the series begins.

It is a dramatic twist after Cricket Australia on Thursday said Hazlewood would continue to prepare for the series-opening Test in Perth with the rest of the Aussie squad — despite appearing to suffer an injury playing for NSW on Wednesday.

After bowling nine overs for NSW on Wednesday, Hazlewood and Sean Abbott were both taken for scans after reporting hamstring issues.

Cricket Australia (CA) communicated to reporters that the scan cleared Hazlewood of any injury concerns.

However, CA said in a statement on Saturday Hazlewood underwent a second scan which has shown more serious issues.

CA said in a statement: “Early imaging can occasionally underestimate low-grade muscle injuries. As a result, Hazlewood will not travel to Perth and has been ruled out.”

Brendan Doggett, 31, is now in line to join Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland in the Aussie pace attack.

Michael Neser will be added to Australian squad, according to 7News.

On the flip side of the coin, England has confirmed star fast-bowler Mark Wood has been cleared to be selected in the first Test.

The opening Test of the Ashes series commences on November 21 from Perth Stadium.