Josh Hazlewood Excluded from Ashes 2025: Australia's Significant Setback

Post by : Raina Nasser

In a significant blow to Australia’s Ashes campaign, pace bowler Josh Hazlewood has been officially ruled out for the entire 2025 series against England due to persistent injury issues, as revealed by head coach Andrew McDonald on Tuesday. This news follows Hazlewood's absence from the initial encounters in Perth and Brisbane, creating a noticeable void in Australia’s bowling lineup.

McDonald expressed his disappointment over Hazlewood's situation, saying, “It’s truly unfortunate for him. We faced a couple of unexpected challenges, and we believed he would play a pivotal role in this series. It’s disappointing that he won't have the chance to contribute,” he remarked.

Initially, Hazlewood sustained a hamstring strain before the Perth Test, and a new injury impacting his lower calf and Achilles region impeded his recovery last week. Consequently, the Australian team has confirmed that their top quick will miss out on all five Tests, with Australia currently leading the series 2-0, needing only a draw in Adelaide to retain the iconic Ashes urn.

The announcement of Hazlewood’s absence coincided with England’s confirmation that fast bowler Mark Wood would also miss the rest of the series due to a knee injury, further underscoring the injury woes affecting both sides.

McDonald assured that Pat Cummins, who is Australia's regular captain and leading fast bowler, is expected to return for the Adelaide Test. Cummins has been recuperating from a lower back injury and has recently engaged in match simulation sessions at Allan Border Field in Brisbane. “He has practiced extensively, closely resembling match conditions with various spells. We’re confident his skills and physical condition are up to the mark,” McDonald stated. Subject to no further setbacks, Cummins is slated to captivate the team in the Adelaide Test.

In other team developments, selectors recently made a surprising choice to drop veteran spinner Nathan Lyon for his first home Test since 2012 in Brisbane, evoking an emotional response from the 38-year-old. McDonald, a selection panel member, recognized Lyon’s disappointment but stressed that he will still have a vital role to fulfill in the remainder of the series.

As the Ashes holders, Australia aims to strengthen their series lead while managing key player absences, while England grapples with its own injury challenges among their bowlers. The Adelaide Test is set to be a decisive battle as both teams gear up for the next chapter in their storied rivalry.