Australia has copped another blow to its fast bowling stocks with the Test summer only one match old.
Captain Pat Cummins was ruled out of the Adelaide Test with a quad strain, which he suffered against the West Indies in Perth.
It’s hoped he will be fit to take on South Africa in Brisbane from next Saturday.
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But in a cruel blow for the Aussies it appears fellow gun paceman Josh Hazlewood is also in doubt for the next match.
Hazlewood, 31, was withdrawn from the line-up just before the toss on Thursday, with Cricket Australia claiming “general soreness” was the reason for his omission.
But during the second session in Adelaide it was revealed Hazlewood has suffered a side strain – the same injury which cruelled his 2021-22 summer.
”Scans have confirmed Josh Hazlewood has sustained a low-grade left side strain,” Cricket Australia said on Twitter.
“Hazlewood will return home (to Sydney on Friday) to continue his rehabilitation.
“He will be reviewed again at the completion of the match to determine his availability moving forward.”
The Aussies have three Tests against South Africa following their series against the West Indies.
Hazlewood – one of the world’s best fast bowlers – played the opening Ashes Test in Brisbane last year, but missed the remainder of the summer with a side strain.
Michael Neser was brought into the team to replace Hazlewood on Thursday in Adelaide, while Scott Boland had already been named to replace Cummins.
Australia also jettisoned Lance Morris into the squad to shore up the pace depth.
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