Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the fifth and final Ashes Test against England with coach Justin Langer expecting the 30-year-old to be back in action in the one-day home series against New Zealand later this month.
Hazlewood has been sidelined since sustaining a side strain during Australia’s nine-wicket victory in the Ashes opener at the Gabba.
“We thought Josh Hazlewood was coming back into the team. Unfortunately Josh hasn’t come up. Hopefully he’ll be right for the white-ball games,” Langer told reporters after the third day’s play in the fourth Test in Sydney.
“It’s been really tough on him. He’s been really hanging out to play this Ashes series like everyone.”
Australia’s remarkable pace depth has ensured the home side, who boast an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, did not really miss Hazlewood.
In his absence, Jhye Richardson impressed in Adelaide while Scott Boland produced a Man-of-the-Match-winning performance in his debut Test in Melbourne.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings has been added to the England squad for the final Test as cover for the injured Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow, ECB said on Friday.
