🇦🇺🔥 Hazlewood Ruled Out of Brisbane Test as Pat Cummins Nears Ashes Return Injury Updates, Squad Analysis, Match Impact & Expert Breakdown
The Ashes series is one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in world cricket, and every selection, injury update, and tactical decision becomes headline news. As Australia prepare for the second Test of the 2025 Ashes at the iconic Gabba in Brisbane, the team faces mixed fortunes: Josh Hazlewood is officially ruled out, while captain Pat Cummins is inching closer to a highly anticipated return.
With Australia currently leading the five-match series 1-0, the dynamics of the Gabba Test could play a decisive role in shaping the momentum and psychological edge in this elite cricketing battle. This detailed blog covers:
- Why Hazlewood has been ruled out
- How serious the injury is
- Cummins’ recovery timeline
- Impact on Australia’s bowling attack
- England’s possible response
- Stats, history, and expert analysis
- Full breakdown of potential XI
- Brisbane pitch report and match prediction
Let’s dive deep into everything surrounding this major Ashes development.
🏥 Josh Hazlewood Injury Update: Why He Will Miss the Brisbane Test
Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s metronome with the ball, will miss the second Ashes Test at the Gabba after sustaining a hamstring issue during a Sheffield Shield match. While the initial scans did not show a major tear, Cricket Australia’s medical team continues to manage his recovery conservatively.
🔍 Nature of the Injury
Hazlewood felt tightness after a Shield outing, which triggered immediate concern. Despite being cleared of a full tear, the muscle stiffness and inflammation have required:
- Rest
- Light rehabilitation
- Monitoring of hamstring load
- Gradual return-to-bowling program
Australia coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Hazlewood is still in week one of rehab, making him unavailable for the Gabba.
“He’s working through the first week of his rehab. I know he’ll be available at some point during the series. We just need the early rehab phase completed to know where he fits.”
⏳ Expected Return Timeline
- Possible return: Test 3 or Test 4
- Unlikely: Brisbane (Test 2)
- Not ruled out: Adelaide (Day Test)
Hazlewood has had multiple side and hamstring niggles in past years. The team does not want to risk him early in the series, especially when several pace options are available.
🛡️ The Impact of Hazlewood’s Absence on Australia’s Attack
Hazlewood is considered one of the world’s finest in Test cricket because of:
- His immaculate line and length
- Seam position
- Ability to generate bounce and movement
- Relentless discipline
Without him, Australia lose:
1️⃣ Control & Pressure at Both Ends
Hazlewood’s ability to build pressure allows the likes of Starc and Cummins (when fit) to attack from the other end. His replacement must fill that void.
2️⃣ Brisbane Specialist
At the Gabba, Hazlewood has:
- 32 wickets
- Average under 21
- Perfect length for Gabba bounce
Losing him at this venue is significant.
3️⃣ Consistency in Long Spells
Hazlewood often bowls long, economical spells that set up wickets. Without him, more responsibility falls on:
- Scott Boland
- Mitchell Starc
- Michael Neser (Gabba specialist)
- Brendan Doggett
🟢 Pat Cummins Nearing Return The Biggest Boost for Australia
While one star pacer misses out, another is on the verge of returning. Pat Cummins, who missed the Perth Test due to a minor injury, is 85–90% fit, according to team sources.
🔬 Why He Missed the First Test
Cummins had a quad niggle. Australia did not want to risk him in the opening match of a tight five-Test schedule.
He trained impressively before the first Test, but with the match ending in two days, his workload schedule was disrupted, causing a slight delay in his bowling plan.
🏃 Rehabilitation Status
Cummins has been:
- Bowling near full intensity
- Working on soft tissue resilience
- Increasing load gradually
- Training with good ball speed and rhythm
Coach McDonald said:
“For those who saw him in Perth, he looked like a player nearing the end of rehab. The intensity was there.”
📅 When Will He Return?
A late fitness call will be made, but all signs point toward him returning for the Brisbane Test.
If he plays:
- He will have an 8-day gap before the Adelaide Test
- This gives him enough time to recover
- Australia will regain their leader and top strike bowler
Cummins’ return changes everything — the attack looks stronger, more balanced, and more aggressive.
⚡ Mitchell Starc: The Hero of the First Test
One man who ensured Australia didn’t miss Hazlewood and Cummins too much in Perth was Mitchell Starc.
🏅 Starc’s Incredible Match Figures
- 10 wickets in the match
- 7 for 58 in the first innings (career-best)
- Swing, seam, bounce — he did it all
Starc’s spell broke England’s backbone, reaffirming his status as one of the most destructive bowlers in world cricket.
With pink-ball conditions likely in Brisbane (day-night Test), Starc becomes even more dangerous.
🔵 Scott Boland: From Early Struggles to Strong Comeback
Boland had a rough start on Day 1 in Perth, conceding quick runs. But he resurged with an impactful second-innings spell.
Coach McDonald admitted responsibility, saying they instructed him to bowl fuller lengths, which didn’t suit his natural game.
Once he reverted to his trademark back-of-length discipline, he delivered beautifully.
Boland’s Gabba record makes him a strong contender for the XI.
🟣 Brendan Doggett Impresses on Debut
Brendan Doggett made an impressive debut:
- 5 wickets in the match
- Excellent bouncer execution
- Consistent lengths
- Adapted quickly to Test level
Doggett’s success gives selectors a genuine dilemma:
➡ Should they reward him with a second Test?
➡ Or should Neser (Gabba expert) return?
🟠 Michael Neser: The Gabba King Waiting in the Wings
If there is one venue where Michael Neser shines, it's Brisbane.
Neser’s Gabba Credentials
- Multiple match-winning Shield performances
- Swing bowler perfectly suited to local conditions
- Consistently among top wicket-takers at this ground
With Hazlewood out, he is the strongest candidate after Cummins.
🟡 Australia’s Possible Playing XI for Brisbane Test
⭐ If Cummins Plays:
- Usman Khawaja
- Jake Weatherald
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Cameron Green
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Scott Boland
- Michael Neser / Brendan Doggett
⭐ If Cummins Misses Out:
- Khawaja
- Weatherald
- Labuschagne
- Smith
- Head
- Green
- Carey
- Starc
- Boland
- Neser
- Doggett
🏟️ Brisbane Pitch Report What to Expect at the Gabba
The Gabba traditionally offers:
- Extra bounce
- Seam movement
- Consistent pace off the surface
For day-night Tests, the pink ball enhances:
- Swing under lights
- Twilight session unpredictability
- Fast-bowling dominance
Teams batting second at the Gabba often struggle, especially at night.
🇬🇧 England’s Situation: Can They Exploit Australia’s Injuries?
England lost the Perth Test, and their hopes now depend on:
- Whether Cummins returns
- Whether Australia risk an inexperienced attack
With Hazlewood out:
England may target:
- Boland’s early lengths
- Doggett’s inexperience
- Neser’s lack of recent Test action
But Australia’s depth still gives them an edge.
🔥 Key Players to Watch at the Gabba
Australia
- Pat Cummins (if fit)
- Mitchell Starc
- Scott Boland
- Travis Head
- Cameron Green
England
- Joe Root
- Ben Stokes
- Mark Wood
- Zak Crawley
- Ollie Pope
📊 Statistical Breakdown: Why Hazlewood Is a Massive Loss
Hazlewood in Australia (Tests)
- Average: 24.0
- Strike Rate: 53
- Wickets: 230+
Hazlewood at the Gabba
- Wickets: 32
- Average: 21.4
- Economy: 2.3
Without him, Australia lose:
- Accuracy
- Sustained pressure
- Control in long spells
📝 Expert Insights: What Analysts Are Saying
Cricket analysts believe:
- Cummins’ return > Hazlewood’s absence
- Starc is the danger man under lights
- Neser deserves a chance at his home ground
- England’s best chance is to attack Boland early
Experts also agree that Australia’s bench strength covers the gaps.
📈 Series Outlook: How This Test Influences the Ashes
If Australia win:
- They go 2-0 up
- England face near-impossible comeback
- Momentum shifts hugely
If England win:
- The series returns to 1-1
- Pressure back on Australia
- Cummins' and Hazlewood’s fitness becomes crucial
🎯 Final Prediction for the Brisbane Test
Considering:
- Starc’s form
- Brisbane pink-ball conditions
- Cummins likely returning
- England’s inconsistencies
Prediction:
🇦🇺 Australia favourites to win — especially if Cummins plays.
✅ Cricketory Insights & Expert Analysis
🔍 1. Australia’s Fast-Bowling Depth Is the Real Advantage
Even without Hazlewood, Australia’s bench strength remains unmatched. Brendan Doggett's impactful debut and Michael Neser’s Gabba mastery allow Australia to rotate their quicks without compromising quality. This makes England’s job extremely difficult, especially under pink-ball conditions.
🔥 2. Cummins’ Return Could Define the Series
Cummins returning at Brisbane doesn’t just strengthen the bowling — it boosts:
- Leadership
- Tactical decisions
- Aggressive field placements
- Confidence of the bowling unit
If he plays, England will need a special batting effort to withstand the Starc–Cummins combination under lights.
📉 3. England's Batting Remains the Biggest Weakness
England’s batting continues to struggle against bounce and pace. Perth exposed their fragility:
- Early collapses
- Poor footwork
- Difficulty against swing/seam movement
At Brisbane, these weaknesses will be amplified.
📈 4. Mitchell Starc in Day–Night Tests = Nightmare
Starc’s stats with the pink ball are elite, and his rhythm in Perth signals danger for England. Australia's plan will clearly revolve around Starc attacking during twilight and night sessions.
🟡 5. Selection Battle: Neser vs. Doggett
Neser
✔ Gabba specialist
✔ Swing bowler ideal for day-night Test
✔ Experience in local conditions
Doggett
✔ Raw pace
✔ Breakthrough ability
✔ Confidence after debut performance
This selection call could affect the balance of the bowling attack.
🧠 Cricketory Tactical Breakdown
Australia’s Ideal Bowling Strategy
- Use Starc early + at twilight for swing destruction
- Boland for control and pressure in long spells
- Cummins to attack key wickets
- Green to bowl short spells at high pace
- Rotate Neser/Doggett to maintain intensity
England’s Only Winning Formula
England MUST:
- Survive the new ball
- Target Boland and the fourth seamer
- Score big in the first innings
- Hope for movement under lights while bowling
If they fail early, the match is gone.
🏁 Conclusion: Mixed News, but Australia Still Strong for Brisbane
Australia will miss Josh Hazlewood's control and experience, but the squad depth, Starc's form, and the expected return of Pat Cummins place them in a comfortable position heading into the Gabba Test.
The Ashes is far from over, but the momentum is firmly with Australia.
The Brisbane Test promises intensity, swing under lights, world-class fast bowling, and high-pressure moments — everything that defines the Ashes.
❓ FAQs – Hazlewood Injury & Brisbane Test
Q1. Will Josh Hazlewood play any match in the Ashes?
A: Yes. He is expected to return in either Test 3 or 4 once his hamstring rehab progresses.
Q2. Is Pat Cummins confirmed for the Brisbane Test?
A: Not 100%, but he is very likely to play. A late fitness test will decide.
Q3. Who replaces Hazlewood in the XI?
A: Either Michael Neser (Gabba specialist) or Brendan Doggett (excellent debut).
Q4. How does Hazlewood’s absence impact Australia?
A: Australia lose accuracy, control, and long spells — but Starc, Boland, Cummins, Green, Neser, and Doggett cover the gap.
Q5. Is Australia still the favourite without Hazlewood?
A: Yes. Especially if Cummins returns, the Gabba conditions suit their attack perfectly.