Australia's hopes for a strong start in the Ashes series have been dealt a significant blow as star fast bowler Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have both been ruled out of the first Test. Hazlewood, aged 34, suffered a hamstring strain during a Sheffield Shield match, with initial scans clearing him of any major issues. However, follow-up imaging confirmed the injury, forcing him to withdraw from the tour. This comes as a major setback for the hosts, who are already without Cummins, who has been sidelined with a lower back injury for over three months. The Australian captain is targeting a return for the second Test, but Hazlewood's availability remains uncertain. Adding to Australia's woes, fast bowler Sean Abbott also suffered a hamstring injury in the same match, leaving the team with a weakened attack. To fill the void, Michael Neser, who has played two Tests, was called up to the squad. With Hazlewood and Cummins out, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon will lead the attack, with Brendan Doggett likely to make his debut. This development coincides with England's star fast bowler, Mark Wood, who has been cleared of any concerns regarding his left hamstring, providing a boost for the visitors as they aim to reclaim the Ashes in Australia for the first time since 2010-2011.
