England fast bowler Mark Wood has been cleared of a hamstring injury ahead of The Ashes but Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood is out of the first Test in Perth from November 21.
Wood experienced stiffness on Thursday after bowling eight overs on the first day of the tourists’ sole warm-up game against England Lions after almost nine months out following knee surgery.
However, an England and Wales Cricket Board statement released on Saturday read: “Following precautionary scans on Friday, England fast bowler Mark Wood has been cleared of any concerns regarding his left hamstring.
“He is not expected to feature today – the third day of England’s warm-up match against the Lions XI at Lilac Hill Park, Perth. Wood will continue to train as planned in the build-up to the first Test in Perth.”
Hazlewood out as Neser added to Australia squad
Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is out of the first Ashes Test with a hamstring strain
There was bad news for Australia, though, with Hazlewood [hamstring] joining captain Pat Cummins [back] in missing next week’s opening Test at Optus Stadium.
Hazlewood suffered his injury playing for New South Wales against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield this week.
The 34-year-old was initially cleared of a serious problem but further assessments have shown a muscle tear, with Michael Neser added to the squad as cover.
Michael Neser has been called into Australia’s squad for the first Ashes Test
A statement from Cricket Australia said: “Josh Hazlewood underwent repeat imaging today that has confirmed a hamstring strain injury.
“Initial scans 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 uncapped Brendan Doggett is Hazlewood’s most likely replacement in the Australia XI, with Scott Boland already pretty much inked in to deputise for Cummins.
Boland has taken 49 wickets at an average of 12.63 across nine Tests in Australia, including remarkable figures of 6-7 versus England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in December 2021.
Cummins is aiming to be fit for the second Test, a day-nighter in Brisbane, from December 4.
Brendan Doggett may play in Perth following Hazlewood’s injury
England to select all-pace attack in Perth
The Wood update is a big boost for England with the Durham quick one of a number of seamers in the squad capable of bowling 90mph-plus as Ben Stokes’ side look to hit Australia with pace.
There is a high chance that the tourists play an all-seam frontline attack in Perth comprised of Wood, Stokes, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson.
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England stepped up Ashes preparations with a warm-up game against England Lions
Should England err on the side of caution and rest Wood, fellow quick Josh Tongue could come into the XI
Shoaib Bashir is the chief spinner in the squad with Will Jacks the back-up.
In the event of an all-pace frontline attack, Joe Root would provide the spin.
Will England risk Wood in Perth?
Sky Sports Cricket’s Michael Atherton:
“Whether England will risk Wood for Perth is a question that will have to be answered as he has had hardly any cricket. There is definite risk there.
England must decide whether to risk Wood in the first Ashes Test
“Ideally, England were hoping to hit Australia hard with Archer and Wood right at the start as the first two Tests, at Perth and Brisbane, are on the fastest pitches.
“The fast bowlers will really dictate terms there and decide the game.
“Today is a big boost for England in two ways, with Wood seemingly okay and Hazlewood out for Australia.
“With Cummins also missing for Australia you are taking out over 600 Test wickets between them.”
Ashes series in Australia 2025-26
All times UK and Ireland
First Test: Friday November 21 – Tuesday November 25 (2.30am) – Optus Stadium, PerthSecond Test (day/night): Thursday December 4 – Monday December 8 (4.30am) – The Gabba, BrisbaneThird Test: Wednesday December 17 – Sunday December 21 (12am) – Adelaide OvalFourth Test: Thursday December 25 – Monday December 29 (11.30pm) – Melbourne Cricket GroundFifth Test: Sunday January 4 – Thursday January 8 (11.30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground
