Australia 'big three' quick ruled out of remainder of Ashes 2025-26

Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Ashes 2025-26

Hazlewood was initially ruled out of the opening Test in Perth due to a hamstring strain he had picked up during New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield game against Victoria in November. Though he was cleared after initial scans, he was later declared unfit to play the series opener.

Hazlewood was also kept out of the Brisbane Test and will now miss the entire series after picking up an Achilles heel injury while recovering from the hamstring strain. Australia coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the development, adding that Hazlewood’s focus will now shift to the T20 World Cup, where Australia begin their campaign on February 11.

"Unfortunately, Josh won't be a part of the Ashes," McDonald said. "Really, really flat for him. A couple of setbacks that we didn't see coming, and we thought he would play a huge part in the series.

"It's a totally separate injury. It's somewhere lower in the calf to Achilles region. His preparation will then shift towards the [T20] World Cup, which is an incredibly important campaign for us."

Pat Cummins set to return for third Test

McDonald, meanwhile, confirmed that full-time captain Pat Cummins will return to lead the team in Adelaide come December 17, having missed the first two Tests. Australia are also expected to announce a 15-man squad for the Adelaide Test shortly.

Australia haven’t felt Cummins and Hazlewood’s absence, with their ‘big three’ partner Mitchell Starc taking up the mantle. He has picked up 18 wickets so far to lead the wicket-taking charts, twice that of Brydon Carse, who is second on the list with nine. Riding on Starc’s brilliance with the ball and a team effort with the bat, the hosts lead the series 2-0 heading into Adelaide.

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