England fast bowler Mark Wood recovered from a hamstring injury ahead of the Ashes, but Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the first Test in Perth from November 21.
Wood felt stiff on Thursday after bowling eight overs on the first day of the tourists’ only warm-up match against the England Lions, nearly nine months after knee surgery.
However, a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board released on Saturday said: “Following a precautionary test on Friday, England fast bowler Mark Wood has been cleared of concerns regarding his left hamstring.
“He is not expected to feature today, the third day of England’s warm-up match against the Lions XI at Perth’s Lilac Hill Park. Wood will continue training as planned ahead of the first Test in Perth.”
Nessel joins Australia squad, Hazlewood absent
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood misses 1st Ashes Test with hamstring strain
But the bad news for Australia was that Hazlewood (hamstring) will join captain Pat Cummins (back) in missing next week’s opening Test at Optus Stadium.
Hazlewood suffered the injury this week during New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield game against Victoria.
The 34-year-old was initially diagnosed with a serious problem, but further tests revealed a muscle strain and Michael Nether was added to the squad as cover.
Michael Nether has been called up to the Australian squad for the first Ashes Test.
Cricket Australia said in a statement: “Josh Hazlewood underwent re-examination today and it was confirmed that he has suffered a hamstring strain.
“Initial scans on Wednesday showed no muscle damage, but follow-up imaging today confirmed damage. Early imaging may underestimate minor muscle damage.”
“As a result, Hazlewood will not travel to Perth and will be excluded from the first NRMA Insurance Ashes Test Match.”
The uncapped Brendan Doggett is the most likely replacement for Hazlewood in Australia’s XI, with Scott Borland already all but confirmed as Cummins’ replacement.
Boland has taken 49 wickets at an average of 12.63 in nine Tests in Australia, including an astonishing six wins and seven losses against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in December 2021.
Cummins is aiming to get fit for the second Test, which will be held over a day and night in Brisbane from December 4.
Brendan Doggett could play in Perth following Hazlewood injury
England opt for all-pace attack in Perth
Wood’s update is a huge boost for England, with Ben Stokes’ side looking to beat Australia on pace, with Durham one of the many seamers in the team capable of bowling over 90mph.
In Perth, the tourists are likely to use an all-seam front attack consisting of Wood, Stokes, Jofra Archer, Brydon Kearse and Gus Atkinson.
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England stepped up Ashes preparations with warm-up match against England Lions
If England err on the side of caution and rest Wood, fellow quick Josh Tan could join them in the eleven.
Shoaib Bashir is the team’s main spinner, with Will Jacks as backup.
For an all-paced forward attack, Joe Root will provide the spin.
Australian Ashes Series 2025-26
always UK and Ireland
First Test: Friday 21st November – Tuesday 25th November (2.30am) – Optus Stadium, Perth Second Test (day/night): Thursday 4th December – Monday 8th December (4.30am) – The Gabba, Brisbane Third Test: Wednesday 17th December – Sunday 21st December (12am) – Adelaide Oval Fourth Test: Thursday 25th December – Monday 29th December (11.30pm) – Melbourne Cricket Ground Fifth Test: Sunday 4th January – Thursday 8th January (11.30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground
