Good News for Australia as Star Bowler Declared Fit for First Ashes Test

Australia now gets a major relief ahead of its first Ashes Test to be played at Perth. Josh Hazlewood has been declared as fit to play for the team in the first Test. This puts a major addition to their line-up, noting the advantage pacers receive at this pitch.

The Ashes 2025/26 is about to get more interesting. Australia had already announced its squad for the first Test, where Pat Cummins was ruled out. In his place, Steven Smith was announced as the captain of the team in the first game, who also holds an unbeaten record against England in Test format

But at the same time, Australia has now received a major boost to its bowling department. Josh Hazlewood, their star bowler, has been declared fit for the team to play in the first Test. Coming in as the primary bowling options for the team, Hazlewood will be eager to start off the tournament with his red hot form.

1. Hazlewood’s Injury

Josh Hazlewood, along with various other Australian players, was a part of the current round of the Sheffield Shield. He played for New South Wales against Victoria, but missed out on the ending of the game. Despite having the likes of Starc, Abbott, Hazlewood, and Lyon in their team, New South Wales

During the match, Josh Hazlewood suffered with issues in his right hamstring. Eventually, he was taken off the field as a precautionary measure. With the Ashes coming up in the next few weeks, Australia could not have Hazlewood miss out on this important clash for the team.

Hazlewood felt some tightness in his right hamstring. Following the scans, it was confirmed that it is nothing serious to be worried about. This has also cleared Hazlewood of his availability in the first Test of the Ashes. But the concerns over his fitness would still remain in the

The Australian skipper, Steven Smith said that Josh Hazlewood is now fine and good to go for the first test. Along with that, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland also expressed their concern on Hazlewood's injury. They said that taking him off quickly from the field came in as a great decision, which helped to prevent the injury from ruling him out.

2. Hazlewood vs England

Josh Hazlewood and England has always been a tough battle. The Australian bowler is always ready to give some new challenges to the batting line-up of England, which follows Bazball. Just like any other series, Josh Hazlewood will be aiming to come out as the leading wicket-taker for the team in the Ashes 2025/26.

Josh Hazlewood vs England:

• Innings: 33
• Overs: 602.1
• Maidens: 125
• Wickets: 76
• Average: 25.97
• Economy: 3.27
• Five-wicket Hauls: 3

Taking an impressive total of 76 wickets across all of his games against England, Hazlewood will be eager to have this mark touch 100 in the next series. Since it will be played in Australia, Hazlewood will be having a great time, considering his recent form against India in the limited overs format.

3. Sean Abbott Ruled Out

While Australia has received good news that Josh Hazlewood will be playing in the first Test, it also comes with bad news. Sean Abbott, who is another star bowler for the team, is not expected to play for them in the first Test. He was a part of the Australian line-up as a back-up option but has now been ruled out of the first Test

Abbott also played for New South Wales in the clash against Victoria. In this match, he has suffered a moderate-grade left hamstring injury, which pulls him out of the first test of the Ashes. This has also complicated the fast bowling options Australia has, noting the fact that Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Test already.