Ashes 2021-22: Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out Of Second Test, Replacement Named

Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide starting from December 16. Jhye Richardson will replace him in Adelaide. Hazlewood had flown home to Sydney to nurse a side strain he suffered during his side’s nine-wicket win in Brisbane. His injury was surfaced on day 3 of the first test at The Gabba. 

Australian skipper Pat Cummins spoke b=further about Josh Hazlewood’s injury. 

“I think we’ll wait until he wakes up in the morning. I think a key is we don’t want to put him in jeopardy for the whole series so we’ll take our time. He had a scan last night so we will kind of work through that. He bowled today but no plan yet, sleep on it, see how he pulls up tomorrow.”

The seriousness of the injury is still to be revealed. However, it is expected that if its a minor sprain, he should be fit in time for the third Test in Melbourne starting December 26. 

Jhye Richardson Is In Great Form: Ricky Ponting

Meanwhile, this is an opportunity for Richardson to make the most out of it. The 25-year-old will play his third Test – his first since debut series against Sri Lanka in 2019. He took six wickets in two Tests that series, at a brilliant average of 20.50.

Conditions Will Only Aid Australia: Ricky Ponting

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting advocated for Richardson as Hazlewood’s replacement. 

“Richardson was obviously very close to playing this Test instead of Starc. He’s in great form. When the ball’s not swinging and seaming, I’d have him ahead of Neser as far as an all-round bowling package is concerned” Ponting told Fox Sports.

Ponting further predicted the scoreline of the Ashes series after England’s defeat in the first test. 

“The conditions are only going to get better for Australia. Those conditions (in Brisbane) were very English like. There was more pace and bounce, but as far as their bowling is concerned, they’re probably not going to get that much movement anywhere else for the entire series” he said.