Australia have been hit by a big setback ahead of the third Ashes Test, with Josh Hazlewood Out Ashes 2025 confirmed due to a fresh Achilles injury. While Pat Cummins is set to return, the team must now push ahead without one of their key fast bowlers. Hazlewood will instead focus on preparing for the T20 World Cup.
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Cummins Ready for Comeback, Hazlewood Out of Ashes
Australia coach Andrew McDonald announced that Pat Cummins is fully fit and ready to captain the side in Adelaide. His return is a major boost, especially with Josh Hazlewood Out Ashes 2025 leaving a large gap in the bowling attack. Cummins has spent weeks rebuilding his bowling loads at Allan Border Field, where he simulated long match spells to regain rhythm.
McDonald said the selectors had even debated picking him for Brisbane but decided to wait an extra week. Now, with Cummins showing no signs of discomfort, the team is confident he will lead strongly in Adelaide. His return becomes more important with Josh Hazlewood Out Ashes 2025 disrupting Australia’s bowling plans.
Hazlewood, who recently recovered from a hamstring strain, has now suffered a new injury in the lower calf and Achilles area. This setback means Josh Hazlewood Out Ashes 2025 is final, and he will not take any further part in the series. McDonald said the team was “flat” hearing the news, as they had expected him to play a leading role. The focus now shifts to his recovery for the T20 World Cup, a crucial tournament for Australia.
Usman Khawaja is expected to be available again after his back injury. His return comes at a tricky time because Josh Hazlewood Out Ashes 2025 has already created selection challenges, and now the batting order also needs fresh discussion. If Khawaja plays, he will turn 39 during the Adelaide Test, becoming the oldest Australian Test cricketer in 40 years.
Selection Questions Ahead of Adelaide Test
The success of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald as openers in the first two Tests means selectors must think carefully before making changes. Their two 70-plus partnerships helped Australia get early control in both matches, and now with Khawaja returning, a reshuffle might be needed. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood Out Ashes 2025 forces the team to rethink their bowling combination as well.
McDonald said Khawaja is flexible and can bat in the middle order if needed. The coaching staff will pick the best combination based on conditions in Adelaide. The impact of Josh Hazlewood Out Ashes 2025 also means bowlers like Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett come back into the selection conversation.
Nathan Lyon, who missed two of the last three Tests, is also likely to return. McDonald explained that Lyon’s omission was purely due to pink-ball conditions favouring fast bowlers. With Josh Hazlewood Out Ashes 2025, the role of spin becomes even more valuable in the remaining matches. McDonald expects Lyon to play a major part, especially on surfaces that slow down from day three onwards.
The upcoming selection meeting will be tight because Cummins and Lyon are expected to return, and Josh Hazlewood Out Ashes 2025 leaves only limited bowling spots available. Neser, who took a brilliant five-wicket haul in Brisbane, might still miss out despite his strong performance. Australia, according to McDonald, want their best and most balanced attack for Adelaide.
Mitchell Starc has also recovered well from the side soreness he faced in Brisbane. His fitness is important, especially with Josh Hazlewood Out Ashes 2025 reducing Australia’s fast-bowling depth. Starc’s experience will be vital as the hosts try to extend their lead in the series.
As Australia prepare for Adelaide, the team knows that Josh Hazlewood Out Ashes 2025 is a major blow—but the return of Cummins and Lyon gives them confidence heading into the final stretch of the Ashes.
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