Australia have received a major blow ahead of the Ashes 2025/26 Adelaide Test as fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was officially ruled out of the remainder of the series.
Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Hazlewood has developed a separate Achilles and lower-calf issue in addition to his earlier hamstring strain. With recovery now the priority, Hazlewood will turn his attention to being fit for the T20 World Cup later this year.
Ashes 2025/26: Pat Cummins Cleared to Return as Captain
Pat Cummins has been declared fit for Australia in good news, resuming captaincy duties in the third Test in Adelaide. The selectors are confident about his preparation, though he hasn’t played competitive cricket since July due to a lumbar bone stress injury.
Cummins had gone through an extensive match-simulation program at Allan Border Field, bowling multiple spells to reclaim rhythm. The coach, McDonald, pointed to the progress that had been ahead of expectations for Cummins, as he is in an excellent position to lead the attack in Adelaide.
Khawaja Set to Return, but Selection Dilemma Looms
Usman Khawaja is on course to make his return from injury to his back, but his comeback creates a tricky selection issue. The new opening combination of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald has done an excellent job, making two brisk 70-plus stands in the first two Tests.
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McDonald spoke of Khawaja’s possible consideration in the middle order, highlighting the fluidity that will continue to occur within Australia’s batting group as differing conditions and opposition demands take place throughout the series.
Nathan Lyon Expected to Play a Major Role After Pink-Ball Omission
Despite being left out of the past two pink-ball Tests his first absences from home Tests in 13 years Nathan Lyon is far from being pushed aside by Australia. McDonald said Lyon wasn’t dropped because of form but because of conditions and the nature of day-night cricket.
Lyon has substantial roles ahead in the traditional red-ball Tests in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, particularly on slower surfaces, where he has historically been at his best.
Bowling Attack Squeeze Ahead of Adelaide
Cummins’ return, combined with Lyon’s expected reinstatement, shapes as a selection squeeze in the bowling ranks. Brendan Doggett seems the obvious casualty, but Michael Neser could also miss despite his first Test five-wicket haul in Brisbane. The selectors are likely to take a full-strength attack into Adelaide, with no resting of the pace bowler Scott Boland despite the short turnaround before the Boxing Day Test.
Mitchell Starc Clears Injury Concerns
Mitchell Starc has shaken off side soreness from the Gabba Test. McDonald said the issue was minor and one that Starc knew, and was also quick to praise the heavy workload Starc had with both bat and ball and said he recovered well.
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