Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test due to a hamstring strain. He didn’t play in the New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield match against Victoria on Thursday after some discomfort and the scans have confirmed the injury.

“Josh Hazlewood underwent repeat imaging today, which has confirmed a hamstring strain injury. Initial scans on Wednesday were clear of muscle strain however follow-up imaging today has confirmed the injury. Early imaging can occasionally underestimate low-grade muscle injuries. As a result, Hazlewood will not travel to Perth and has been ruled out of the first NRMA Insurance Ashes Test Match,” the Cricket Australia statement read.

Michael Neser has been added to the squad for Hazlewood and Sean Abbott.

“Michael Neser has been added to the Australian squad for the first Test. Neser comes in to provide cover for Hazlewood and Sean Abbott, who suffered a hamstring strain in the same New South Wales Sheffield Shield match against Victoria. Neser has played two Test matches, making his debut against England at the Adelaide Oval in 2021,” the statement further added.

After Pat Cummins, the absence of Hazlewood is likely to impact the host nation against the arch-rivals England. Cummins is out of the series opener due to back issues. Scott Boland will play in place of Cummins while Brendan Doggett is in line to make his debut.

Doggett has taken two five-wicket hauls since returning from a hamstring injury for South Australia.

“He has been bowling well. He is likely to play in the first Test and it is good to have a team full of in-form players and he is one of those guys,” Pat Cummins said.