Pace bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide with a side injury. Incidentally, Hazlewood bowled just 14 overs in the second innings of the opening Test at the Gabba.
“Hazlewood returned to Sydney yesterday afternoon for further assessment and rehabilitation with a decision on his fitness for the Boxing Day Test to be made in due course,” said Cricket Australia in a media release.
Queensland's Michael Neser and Western Australia's Jhye Richardson are the two fast bowling options in the squad. Australia have also picked the leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson. The selectors will pick a squad for the Melbourne and Sydney games after the completion of the second Test.
Neser has been a consistent performer in the Sheffield Shield and County circuit, evidenced by the 130 wickets he has bagged in those two competitions since the start of the 2018-19 season. Meanwhile, Richardson has already played two Tests for his country.
The Day and Night Ashes Test in Adelaide will commence on December 16. Australia lead the five-match series 1-0 after posting a nine-wicket win at the Gabba.