Australia’s Ashes dream is already on a knife’s edge, and a brutal double blow to their pace attack has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The news that star seamer Josh Hazlewood is out of the Ashes for the remainder of the series is a catastrophe for the home side. Yet, in a twist of fate, captain Pat Cummins is set to return, ready to lead the charge in the critical third Test in Adelaide.
Table of Contents
- Hazlewood Out of Ashes: The Devastating News
- Cummins Returns: A Glimmer of Hope
- Australia’s Pace Attack: Who Steps Up?
- The Impact on the Ashes Series
- Conclusion: A Test of Depth and Resilience
- Sources
Hazlewood Out of Ashes: The Devastating News
The official word from Cricket Australia is a massive blow. Josh Hazlewood, a master of line and length and a cornerstone of the Australian pace battery, has been ruled out of the entire Ashes series due to a persistent Achilles issue. This injury flared up during his rehabilitation from a recent hamstring problem, effectively ending his campaign before it could truly begin .
Hazlewood’s absence is more than just the loss of a wicket-taker; it’s the loss of a strategic weapon. His ability to contain batsmen and build pressure from one end is a key component of Australia’s bowling strategy. In the high-pressure environment of an Ashes series, that control is invaluable.
Cummins Returns: A Glimmer of Hope
Just as the door slams shut on Hazlewood, another one creaks open. Captain Pat Cummins, who was sidelined for the opening Test with a back injury, is now fit to return for the all-important third Test in Adelaide .
Cummins’ injury, a lumbar bone stress issue, had cast a long shadow over Australia’s preparations. His recovery timeline was initially fluid, with medical staff taking a cautious approach to ensure the injury fully settled before he resumed his heavy bowling workloads . His return is not just a boost in terms of skill, but in leadership and morale for a team reeling from injury setbacks.
Australia’s Pace Attack: Who Steps Up?
With Hazlewood out for the series and Cummins only just returning, the burden on the remaining bowlers is immense. The good news is that veteran left-armer Mitchell Starc has been cleared to play, despite managing a minor niggle . Starc’s raw pace and ability to produce unplayable deliveries will be crucial.
This injury crisis thrusts other members of the squad into the spotlight. Scott Boland, who has a sensational Ashes record at the MCG, is a prime candidate to step into the role of the primary support seamer. His relentless accuracy and ability to swing the ball back into the right-hander make him a potent option on Australian pitches .
Other potential options in the squad include the likes of Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett, young quicks who may be called upon to make their mark on the biggest stage. The team management now faces a delicate balancing act: managing workloads to keep their bowlers fresh while also trying to maintain the relentless pressure that has been an Australian hallmark.
The Impact on the Ashes Series
This double-edged sword of losing Hazlewood while gaining Cummins reshapes the entire series dynamic. In the first two Tests, Australia was forced to rely on a depleted attack, which may have given England a psychological and strategic advantage .
Now, with their captain and premier fast bowler back in the fold, Australia regains a significant portion of its feared pace trio of Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood. However, it’s now a pace duo. The absence of Hazlewood’s metronomic control means England’s batsmen, particularly those who struggle against extreme pace or swing, may find their task slightly less daunting.
The series is now a true test of Australia’s depth and bench strength. Can the likes of Boland and Abbott rise to the occasion? Or will this injury to a key player be the chink in Australia’s armour that England exploits? The Adelaide Test is no longer just another match; it’s a pivotal moment that could define the series.
Conclusion: A Test of Depth and Resilience
The news that Hazlewood is out of the Ashes is a severe setback for the Australian cricket team, stripping them of one of their most reliable weapons. Yet, the timely return of Pat Cummins offers a crucial lifeline. This situation is the ultimate test of a champion team’s resilience and the strength of its supporting cast. The pressure is now on Scott Boland and the other backup options to step up and fill the massive void left by Hazlewood. The Ashes 2025 has just become a far more unpredictable and fascinating contest.
Sources
For more on Australia’s Ashes squad, you can visit the official ESPNcricinfo Ashes squad page. You can also read our analysis on how injuries have shaped past Ashes series [INTERNAL_LINK:ashes-injury-history].
- Cricket Australia statement on Hazlewood’s injury .
- Confirmation of Hazlewood missing the entire series and Cummins’ return for Adelaide .
- Details on Pat Cummins’ back injury and recovery timeline .
- Overview of Australia’s pace options and squad depth .
- Context on Australia’s depleted attack for the opening Test .