Disaster for Australia as Hazlewood ruled out of First Test

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out for the First Ashes Test with a hamstring strain.

It initially appeared Hazlewood was in the clear with the first scans showing no muscle strains.

But a follow up has detected a more severe injury which will see him out for at least the First Test.

As a result, Michael Neser has been added to the squad as cover.

This is now the latest injury to have affected Australia's bowling prospects, with Pat Cummins and Sean Abbott having also been ruled out for the Test in Perth with back and hamstring injuries respectively.

With this extra opening in the first XI, it now leads to the possibility of Brendan Doggett making his Test Debut with the South Australian representative the likely replacement for Hazlewood.

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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.

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.