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Double Injury Blow: Mark Wood and Hazlewood Ruled Out, Fisher Joins England Squad
Double Injury Blow: Mark Wood and Hazlewood Ruled Out, Fisher Joins England Squad
The Ashes series has suffered a major setback with key fast bowlers from both teams being officially ruled out due to injuries. Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a recurring left-knee injury and Hazlewood has been ruled out after an Achilles setback on top of a previous hamstring strain.
Wood's Knee drops England's Script
England’s hopes of mounting a series fightback have been further dented by the loss of their fastest bowler, Mark Wood. The Durham seamer has been ruled out with a recurrence of the left-knee injury he sustained during the series opener in Perth.
Wood, who was making his return to Test cricket after a nine-month absence and knee surgery, managed just 11 wicketless overs in the first Test before reporting discomfort. Subsequent medical assessment confirmed he would not recover in time for the rest of the tour.
The 35-year-old will now return home to the UK this week to begin rehabilitation. In his place, England selectors have called up 28-year-old Surrey seamer Matthew Fisher. Fisher was already in Australia with the England Lions squad and will join the senior team immediately, providing the tourists with a much-needed backup option in their pace battery. Fisher has one Test cap, earned in the West Indies in March 2022.
Hazlewood Out After Achilles Setback
Just hours before Wood's departure was confirmed, Australia coach Andrew McDonald announced that veteran quick Josh Hazlewood would also take no further part in the series.
Hazlewood, who had already missed the opening two Tests, suffered an aggravation of an Achilles niggle on top of a previous hamstring strain.
While Hazlewood's absence tests Australia's pace depth, the home side has a silver lining in the expected return of captain Pat Cummins, who is tipped to lead the side in the next Test in Adelaide after a period on the sidelines managing a back injury.
The double blow removes two of the most experienced and high-quality fast bowlers from the contest, forcing both teams to rely on their squad depth for the remaining matches.