Ashes 2021 LIVE: In a major blow to Australia, pacer Josh Hazlewood and David Warner are likely to miss the upcoming pink-ball Adelaide Test. The duo has flown home to Sydney. While Hazlewood has incurred a side injury, David Warner had suffered a rib injury while facing Ben Stokes at the Gabba, Brisbane. The second Test at Adelaide will kick start on December 16. Follow Ashes 2021 live updates on InsideSport.IN and live streaming on SONY LIVE
Ashes 2021 LIVE: Big Blow to Australia, Pat Cummins set to miss services of experienced Josh Hazlewood, David Warner for pink-ball Adelaide Test
Josh Hazlewood had not bowled in the afternoon session on Day 3 and he was sent for a scan on Friday night that showed he was fit enough to bowl on Saturday.
“Hazlewood returned to Sydney yesterday afternoon for further assessment and rehabilitation with a decision on his fitness for the Boxing Day Test to be made in due course,” said Cricket Australia in a media release.
- In Hazlewood’s absence, Jhye Richardson is likely to play his third Test and first since his debut series against Sri Lanka in early 2019.
- Hazelwood’s absence means Richardson has a huge shoe to fill as the former has complimented Mitchell Starc brilliantly with the ball.
- He also holds an upper hand against England captain Joe Root whom he has dismissed record 8 times.
- Richardson returns with an experience of 6 wickets across two matches with his injury-ridden career. He impressed in the Sheffield Shield season with 15 wickets against Tasmania and Queensland.
Queensland’s Michael Neser and leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson are other options for Pat Cummins & Co. The former has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit with 130 wickets across Sheffield Shield and County circuit.
Our Aussie men take a 14-man squad to Adelaide this morning including fast bowlers Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson and leg spinner Mitchell Swepson 🇦🇺
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 12, 2021
Ashes 2021 LIVE: David Warner’s injury could pave the way for Usman Khawaja to make his first appearance after the latter was dropped from Ashes 2019.
Queensland opener Bryce Street is likely to be added to the squad, reported Fox Sports. The 23-year-old hit a timely second-innings 119 not out for Australia A against the England Lions. On the other hand, Khawaja managed scores of just 11 and 5 respectively.
Meanwhile, Travis Head and Alex Carey have also returned home, raising question marks about the wicket-keeping option and opening choice for Australia.
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith (vc), Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner
Ashes 2021 LIVE: Big Blow to Australia, Pat Cummins set to miss services of experienced Josh Hazlewood, David Warner for pink-ball Adelaide Test
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