Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Josh Hazlewood Out of Ashes Opener with Hamstring Injury; Mark Wood Cleared
The Australian cricket team has some bad news before their big game against England, called the Ashes.
One of their best fast bowlers, Josh Hazlewood, hurt his hamstring and can't play in the first match.
This is tough because their captain, Pat Cummins, is also out.
They are bringing in Michael Neser and possibly Brendan Doggett to play instead.
Meanwhile, England got some good news because their fast bowler, Mark Wood, also had a sore hamstring but got cleared by doctors and can play.
He's one of their fastest bowlers and will be important for England's team.
The first test match starts soon in Perth.
Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the Ashes opener due to a confirmed hamstring injury.
Michael Neser added to Australian squad; Brendan Doggett likely to debut.
Australia is also missing captain Pat Cummins and Sean Abbott.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood cleared of hamstring injury concerns.
The first Ashes test match is scheduled to begin in Perth on November 21.
- Who
- Josh Hazlewood (ruled out), Mark Wood (cleared)
- What
- Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the Ashes opener due to a hamstring injury, while Mark Wood has been cleared of a similar injury.
- When
- Saturday, November 15 (announcement date); November 21 (match start date)
- Where
- Perth
- Why
- Josh Hazlewood sustained a confirmed hamstring injury after initial scans were inconclusive. Mark Wood's scans showed no serious concern.
Australia
England
Key Fast Bowler Availability
Australia
Josh Hazlewood is ruled out of the Ashes opener due to a hamstring injury. Australia is also missing captain Pat Cummins and Sean Abbott.
England
Mark Wood has been cleared of a hamstring injury and will be available for the first test.
Replacement Bowlers
Australia
Michael Neser has been added to the squad to cover for Hazlewood and Abbott. Uncapped Brendan Doggett is likely to debut.
England
Mark Wood will lead England's bowling attack, which also includes Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Josh Tongue.
- Australian Player Ruled Out
- Josh Hazlewood
- Injury
- Hamstring
- Match
- Ashes Opener
- Replacement Player (Australia)
- Michael Neser
- Potential Debutant (Australia)
- Brendan Doggett
- English Player Cleared
- Mark Wood
- Match Location
- Perth
- Match Start Date
- November 21
