Ashes 2021-22: Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Adelaide Test, David Warner also unlikely to play

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test starting from December 16 in Adelaide. The right-arm pacer suffered a low-grade side strain. Hazlewood picked two wickets in the first innings of the Gabba Test in Brisbane. However, in England’s second innings, Hazlewood bowled only 14 overs. He managed to pick one wicket but it was evident the pacer was not fully fit. Fast bowler Jhye Richardson has been added to the Australia squad as a replacement for Hazlewood.

At the post-match conference, skipper Cummins shed light on Hazlewood bowling less overs in the second innings and revealed he didn't want to push Hazlewood and exaggerate his injury, with four Tests still to go in the series. “Yeah he was a little bit sore yesterday, so we just tried to get him through,” Cummins told Fox Cricket’s Adam Gilchrist following the stunning day four result for the home side.

“Obviously it’s a five-Test match series, so (we) didn’t want to try and break him yesterday. He pulled up OK today, so we’ll keep managing him.”

Meanwhile, Australia opening batter David Warner is also in doubt to play the second Test. The southpaw has also left the COVID bubble. He injured his ribs during the first innings where he scored 94 runs. Queensland batter Usman Khawaja could return to the Test team as his replacement.

Khawaja last played for Australia in the Ashes series in 2019. The southpaw though has shown good form in Sheffield Shield cricket this year.  Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the 5 match series after beating England in Brisbane by nine wickets. Travis Head’s 152, and Pat Cummins's five wickets in the first innings laid the foundation of a remarkable victory.