Ashes: Josh Hazlewood ruled out of second test

The Australian cricket team has suffered a massive blow ahead of the second Ashes Test. Their star bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled unfit for the next match.

Foxsport.com.au has reported that the bowler took a flight from Brisbane to his hometown Sydney after suffering from a side strain during Australia’s victory in the first test. Although Cummins and Lyon dictated the match in the first and second inning of the game, Hazlewood also played a crucial part.

In the first inning, after Starc removed Rory Burns, it was Hazlewood who removed Dawid Malan and Joe Root to tighten Australia’s grip. Even in the second inning, he claimed the prized wicket of Jos Butler, who is known for his counterattacking tactics. He ended the game with four wickets against his name from just 27 overs.

Hazlewood was not Australia’s only injury concern in the first test. Their opening batter, David Warner, too, picked up an injury while batting in the first inning. His injury concerned everyone after the left-handed batter failed to take the field on the third day. Later he didn’t even bat in the fourth inning, as debutant Carey opened the inning beside Marcus Harris.

With clouds still looming around the inclusion of Warner, Cricket Australia has announced the replacement for Hazlewood. Jhye Richardson, the speedster from Western Australia, will be included in the squad in place of Hazlewood for the next game.