Cricket fans are questioning why Josh Hazlewood was playing in fairly meaningless T20s and ODIs in the lead-up to the Ashes, after he was ruled out of the first Test on Saturday. Hazlewood was sent for scans while playing in the Sheffield Shield for NSW on Wednesday, and was initially cleared of injury.

Australia have suffered another major injury blow ahead of the first Ashes Test, with Josh Hazlewood following captain Pat Cummins in being ruled out. Hazlewood suffered a hamstring injury playing for New South Wales this week but was hastily cleared by Cricket Australia (CA) just hours after the issue first arose.

Cricket Australia says Josh Hazlewood will proceed to the Test squad as normal despite sending an injury scare through the camp on Wednesday.

RCB’s title-winning formula revolved around Josh Hazlewood’s brilliance and Rajat Patidar’s leadership. As they prepare for IPL 2026, the defending champions must expand their pace depth and find support for their Australian spearhead.

Josh Hazlewood’s injury scare may open the door for Beau Webster to line up alongside Cameron Green in the first Ashes Test, with Steve Smith open to the possibility of playing both all-rounders.