Michael Vaughan's 'huge chance' verdict for England as Josh Hazlewood ruled out of first Test
Updated . First published at
Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes the side now has a "huge chance" to take an early series lead after Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the first Test of The Ashes.
Hazlewood's troublesome hamstring was given another scan on Saturday which revealed a muscle straight.
The fast bowler left the field during NSW's Sheffield Shield clash but was originally cleared to play in Perth.
READ MORE: Raiders boss fumes over 'very lucky' Broncos draw
READ MORE: Exiled Aussie boxer's fight against ban for 'embarrassing' act
READ MORE: 'Won't sit back': Broncos boss defiant on Haas' R360 link
"Initial scans Wednesday were clear of muscle strain however follow-up imaging today has confirmed the injury," a Cricket Australia statement read.
Josh Hazlewood of the Blues walks to the top of his run up during the Sheffield Shield. Getty
"Early imaging can occasionally underestimate low-grade muscle injuries."
Vaughan wrote on X that it's "ominous early signs" for England and that the rub of the green might be heading the way of Ben Stokes' men.
"Huge chance for them to go one up in Perth," he said.
Michael Neser has been added to the squad for the first Test. Neser made his debut against England in 2021 and has played in two Test matches.
Hazlewood joins Pat Cummins on the injury list for Australia along with Sean Abbott, who was originally named in the squad but later ruled out.
Abbott injured his hamstring playing for NSW.
South Australian paceman Brendan Doggett is now firming for a Test debut as a result of Hazlewood's injury.
Brendan Doggett. Getty
Doggett has 13 wickets from two Shield matches and could form a pace trio with Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.
Hamstring injuries have been a problem across the board in The Ashes, with Mark Wood also struggling in England's warm-up match. He has since been cleared of any concerns.
