In a major blow to the Australian national cricket team, star fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the Gabba Test, according to a report by Code Cricket.
Captain Pat Cummins’s return is already under considerable doubt, while Josh Hazlewood’s unavailability has created a sense of insecurity. On the other hand, England’s pace deck looks quite impressive with five fast bowlers.
The first Test of the Ashes 2025-26 season began at the Optus Stadium in Perth, with Australia and England enjoying a superb track for fast bowlers. It’s fast, bouncy and has excellent carry. England were out for just 172 runs in the second session of the game.
Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Gabba test
Captain Pat Cummins shared a glimpse of revival ahead of the next Test as they still have about 2 weeks to go; However, no guarantees have been given on his possible return. Now, Josh Hazlewood’s medical bulletin brings more bad news for the Australian team.
The fast bowler, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a hamstring injury suffered during Sheffield Shield practice with New South Wales, will be out for a long time as his injury worsened. Josh Hazlewood has also been ruled out of the second Test to be held in Brisbane.
Australia are facing pressure from the pace bowling with Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the Brisbane Test, while Pat Cummins is working hard to prove his fitness.
Description | https://t.co/szrVoQbvFE pic.twitter.com/BrO2htolHZ
– Code Cricket (@codecricketau) 21 November 2025
Pat Cummins announces comeback amid Ashes
Australian captain Pat Cummins has been missing from his team across all formats for a long time, as he last played in the Caribbean in July. Cummins has not been seen on the field yet after recovering from a stress injury.
At times, it was said that Pat Cummins could return before the white-ball series against India or the Sheffield Shield games to prepare for the Test series. However, after being ruled out of the first Ashes as well, Cummins has now revealed that he is feeling fine and is on his way to a comeback.
Although he has not fully recovered yet, he is confident that the Brisbane Test is 2 weeks from now, and the captain will definitely be back by then.
Ben Stokes eliminated Australia by taking a brilliant 5 wickets on the first day
England’s fast bowlers were already showing enthusiasm and Jofra Archer was leading the team. Archer took 2 wickets for just 11 runs in his 9-over spell, and Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood did the same, although despite being economical, they took no wickets.
However, the main carnage occurred when the England captain involved himself in the attack. A healthy and innings-stabilising partnership between Travis Head and Cameron Green inspired Stokes to bring himself forward.
A stand of 45 put England’s timid score in danger, but captain Stokes took 5 wickets in his 6-over spell to reduce the Australians from 76-4 to 121-9 by the time stumps were called on the first day in Perth.
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