Australia suffers major blow: Josh Hazlewood out of Ashes, Pat Cummins back for Adelaide Test | Cricket News

Australia have suffered a major setback in their bid to dominate the Ashes series, with pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the remainder of the competition against England. The unfortunate blow coincides with the crucial return of Pat Cummins, who is expected to return to captaincy for next week’s third Test in Adelaide.Go beyond borders with our YouTube channel. REGISTER NOW!Head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed on Tuesday that Hazlewood’s lengthy recovery from a hamstring strain had been complicated by a new Achilles problem. The 34-year-old had already missed the first two Tests and will now focus on getting fully fit for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February.

“Really flat for him. A couple of setbacks that we didn’t see coming,” McDonald said. “We thought he would play a big role in the show. But we really think he won’t get that opportunity.”Hazlewood’s absence leaves Australia with a quick puzzle to solve just as Cummins looks set to bolster both attack and leadership. The 32-year-old has not played since the Caribbean tour in July due to a lower back injury, but he impressed during intense match simulation workloads at Allan Border Field last week.

“It’s something we’ve done before with Pat with some pretty long layoffs,” McDonald said. “He’s simulated roughly what a match with multiple spells would look like. We have a feeling he’ll be as prepared as possible.”Cummins’ readiness almost pushed him into the Brisbane Test, as selectors debated lifting restrictions after rapid progress in recovery. However, with the captain’s return, Australia’s pace plans gain a new perspective, especially with a tight schedule between the final three Tests.There was more positive news with left-arm quick Mitchell Starc cleared to play in Adelaide despite battling a side issue in the Brisbane Test. Starc has been in exceptional form, topping the wicket charts with 18 scalps in two matches.Australia are still expected to rotate their pace options, with Scott Boland, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson and Brendon Doggett all considered to share workloads during a busy schedule.While Cummins’ return boosts the Australians’ confidence, Hazlewood’s departure leaves a void that could test the team’s depth under high pressure. The Adelaide Test now appears not only as a chance to win the series, but also as a test of Australia’s ability to adapt without one of its most experienced strike weapons.