Hazlewood Injury boosts England’s Ashes Prospects After wood Cleared
PERTH, Australia – A dramatic turn of events at Lilac Hill on Saturday has considerably altered the landscape of the upcoming Ashes series, with Australia losing star fast bowler Josh Hazlewood to a hamstring injury just hours after England received positive news regarding Mark Wood‘s fitness. Hazlewood’s absence, alongside captain Pat Cummins who is already sidelined, leaves Australia without two of their premier pace bowlers for the first Test at Optus Stadium.
The news came a mere 86 minutes after Wood was given the all-clear following concerns over his own hamstring. Hazlewood’s injury creates a major setback for the hosts, who will be without a key component of their attack.
Despite this, Australia boasts a strong record in home Tests even without both Cummins and Hazlewood in the lineup, having remained undefeated in such matches for the past 13 years. They also overcame similar absences during the 2021-22 Ashes series, winning 4-0 despite Hazlewood missing four Tests and Cummins missing one.
However, this Australian team is different from that of four years ago, presenting a golden opportunity for England. The team faces questions regarding its composition, and absorbing the loss of two frontline bowlers will be more challenging. Australia has several potential XI combinations, but none appear definitively settled.
England’s task is made more compelling by their historical struggles in Australia; they have won only two of their last 15 Tests Down Under since the 2010-11 series. A strong start in the first Test is crucial, as momentum is tough to regain in Australia. The second Test, a day-night match, further favors the hosts, particularly with Mitchell Starc’s proven record with the pink ball.
A victory in the first Test would provide a meaningful psychological boost for Australia, especially with Cummins expected to return for the second. Conversely, a loss coudl prove devastating for England’s hopes of reclaiming the Ashes.
