Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Ashes opener with hamstring injury
15 Nov 2025

Australian cricket team has suffered a major blow ahead of the Ashes series as pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the opening Test in Perth, starting on November 21.

The decision comes after he was initially cleared when he left the field during New South Wales's Sheffield Shield game against Victoria at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

He will not travel to Perth this weekend.

Queensland seamer Michael Neser replaces Hazlewood in squad
Squad change

In light of Hazlewood's injury, Queensland seamer Michael Neser has been added to the Australian squad for the Ashes opener.

This comes as another blow to the team as Sean Abbott has also been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

Pat Cummins was already out of at least the opening Test due to a back injury.

CA confirms Hazlewood's injury through follow-up imaging
Injury confirmation

Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed Hazlewood's injury through follow-up imaging.

"Initial scans Wednesday were clear of muscle strain, however follow-up imaging today has confirmed the injury," a CA statement said.

"Early imaging can occasionally underestimate low-grade muscle injuries."

The latest development puts more pressure on Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland to perform well in the absence of their senior teammate.

Hazlewood's recent performance and previous injuries
Performance history

Hazlewood, who has taken 295 Test wickets, had performed well in the white-ball series against India last month.

He also looked good in his Shield outing before complaining about hamstring tightness to NSW captain Steven Smith.

Last season, Hazlewood had missed three out of five Tests against India due to a side strain and calf injury.