Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first NRMA Insurance Ashes Test in Perth due to a hamstring strain, dealing a devastating blow to Australia's hopes of getting off to a winning start against England.
The news confirms Australia's worst fears after initial scans had cleared the pace spearhead, only for follow-up imaging on Saturday to confirm a low-grade muscle strain. The 34-year-old will not travel west with the team, leaving the hosts' pace stocks threadbare just days out from the series opener at Optus Stadium.
The Attack Crisis: Starc Stands Alone
Hazlewood’s absence means Australia will be without two-thirds of their famous "Big Three" for the opening Test, with captain Pat Cummins already confirmed to be missing the fixture due to an ongoing back injury.
This catastrophic double-blow leaves Mitchell Starc as the sole frontline quick from the established triumvirate. While the experienced Scott Boland was already inked in to deputise for Cummins, the selectors now face a desperate scramble to find a third seamer.
Doggett Poised for Shock Debut
The immediate discussion surrounding who would fill Hazlewood's place initially centered on the two reserve pacers in the squad, but the situation has been complicated further: Sean Abbott is also unavailable, having sustained a hamstring injury in the same Sheffield Shield match as Hazlewood.
This unprecedented injury crisis has effectively paved the way for the uncapped South Australian, Brendan Doggett, to make a shock Test debut. The 31-year-old is now the clear frontrunner to partner Starc and Boland. Doggett has been in scintillating form for South Australia this summer, taking 13 wickets at an average of 14.69, and looks set to cap a seven-year wait for a Baggy Green. Queensland veteran Michael Neser has also been added to the squad as cover, but Doggett is widely expected to get the nod.
England's Preparation Eased
For Ben Stokes’ England side, the news is an enormous psychological and tactical boost.
The tourists have been given a crucial reprieve as they will avoid facing the relentless pressure and accurate seam of Hazlewood, especially on a quick Perth surface. With their own preparations eased by the news that Mark Wood has been cleared of his own hamstring concerns, this dramatic turn of events has significantly shifted the perceived balance of power.
England now have a genuine opportunity to exploit the instability and inexperience in the Australian attack. The pressure on Starc and the debutant Doggett will be immense, giving England a great chance to seize the early momentum and expose what many now see as serious cracks in the Australian armour. The odds on an English victory in Perth have shortened considerably.
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