Last Updated on 5 months ago by Charbel Coorey

Australia have been dealt a blow with pace bowler Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England due to a hamstring injury. Hazlewood joins Pat Cummins on the sidelines, with Australia needing to field a new-look attack for the blockbuster series opener.

Hazlewood picked up the injury during New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield match against Victoria at the SCG. Reports stated he had been feeling hamstring tightness and an initial scan showed no strain. However, after feeling more discomfort over the weekend, a follow up scan showed a strain, subsequently ruling him out of at least the opening Test.

England fans and pundits sense a huge opportunity. “Now with Hazlewood that’s two big, frontline bowlers missing,” said Michael Atherton on Sky Sports. “They must see this as a big opportunity and a chance to try and put some pressure on Australia straight away.”

England fans sense huge opportunity with Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Perth Test

Hazlewood’s injury likely means a debut for Brendan Doggett. Australia also have the option of Michael Neser, who was drafted into the squad this weekend.

Regardless, England fans believe this is their time to pounce. Not only have England not won an Ashes series down under since 2010/11, they haven’t won a single Test, with 13 losses and two draws. Those two draws came courtesy of the flattest MCG pitch in 2017 and a rain-affected SCG Test in 2022.

“If we don’t win the first Test after they have lost their two best bowlers might as well forfeit the other four,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).

“Huge, absolutely huge. Their two best bowlers out injured, we simply have to take advantage of that and win next week. Surely there’ll never be a better chance,” wrote another.

England warmed up for the Ashes with a five-wicket win over England Lions in Lilac Hill. Ollie Pope, subject to doubts as to how well he will perform in the Ashes, scored 100 and 90 in a strong performance.