Hazlewood Ruled Out of First Ashes Test

Australia suffered a major setback as Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England due to a hamstring strain, joining fellow quick Pat Cummins on the sidelines.

Hazlewood initially passed a scan after hurting himself in a Sheffield Shield match, but follow-up imaging confirmed the injury. He will miss the Perth Test starting November 21. Cummins, recovering from a back injury sustained three months ago, aims to return for the second Test in Brisbane.

With reserve pacer Sean Abbott also injured, Michael Neser has been called up, while Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland will spearhead the attack.