Australia dealt massive injury blow ahead of Ashes opener

Australia's ace fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Test against England due to a hamstring strain injury.

Hazlewood sustained the injury during the Sheffield Shield games and went off the pitch. Although he was initially cleared of muscle strain after initial scans, follow-up imaging has confirmed the hamstring injury.

The latest blow further depletes Australia's pace bowling stocks, who have already lost captain Pat Cummins as well as Sean Abbott to injuries.

Michael Neser has been brought into the squad for Australia to provide cover for Hazlewood and Abbott.

Neser has played two Test matches for Australia, debuting against England at Adelaide Oval in 2021. However, it is 31-year-old uncapped Brendan Doggett who is 'firming for a Test debut after Australia's injury woes deepened on Saturday,' as reported by cricket.com.au.

Doggett has been in impressive form for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield games in the lead-up to the Ashes, bagging a six-for against Western Australia followed by a five-for against Tasmania.

Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland are likely to lead the pace attack, with Nathan Lyon the spinner. In some positive news for Australia, Cameron Green has returned to bowling in the Sheffield Shield games and is expected to take the ball in the series.

The latest chapter in the storied Ashes rivalry will commence on 21 November in Perth.

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