Josh Hazlewood Cleared Fitness Test Ahead of the Ashes series 

The Ashes 2025-2026 have already been making a buzz in the cricket world. Meanwhile, there is some big news coming out in favour of Team Australia. Star pacer Josh Hazlewood cleared the fitness test just before the first test match of the Ashes 2025-2026. Australia’s camp got an added advantage after their star bowler was confirmed fit to get back on track for the Test series against England in the Ashes. Winexchange adds to the countdown for the Ashes while fans tend to catch up with the cricket news, the player news, and Insights on the Match. 

Hazlewood’s fitness update caused ripples of happiness in Australian supporters. The captain Pat Cummins, is still sidelined. However, Josh Hazlewood cleared the fitness test, and that relieved both selectors and fans alike. Hazelwood has been a considerable factor in Australia’s last great triumph, especially in the last years on home soil. Hazelwood went off the field in the late innings of Victoria at the SCG today due to tightness in his right hamstring. He had a precautionary scan, which has cleared him of any muscle strain.

Sean Abbott’s Long Injury Adds to Selection Issues 

Hazlewood can get away with injury, but bad luck would strike for his fast-bowling companion, Sean Abbott. Abbott was one of the 15 men whose had his nameswere read on Australia’s squad, but he then found out that he would not play in the first Test when he had his hamstring scanned and found to have a moderate-grade tear. Return-to-play timelines would be announced in a week or two, pushing selectors into a potentially more difficult area for the Perth match. 

Having neither Cummins nor Abbott available for the opener, Scott Boland will lead the pace attack alongside Mitchell Starc and Hazlewood. The uncapped Brendan Doggett remains a front-runner for an extra slow-bowling option. Check more such interesting stories around the cricket world on Winexch. At Winexch, also known as Winexchange, we cover regular sports updates and cricket stories off the field.

Cummins Set on Returns by Second Test 

Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, has indicated that he is very positive about the state of his recovery from a back injury. As he recently revealed, he is currently bowling around 90% and the target is for him to be match fit for the second Test day-night contest at Brisbane commencing December 4.

Cummins told reporters in Sydney: “It’s still very strong going from nothing to trying to get ready for a Test match in four weeks, but we’re going to give it a good shot.” 

If Cummins is up to speed with his recovery in time for the second Test, it’s going to be good news for Australia’s bowling department, as it’s going to be a long and taxing Ashes series. 

Australia’s Bowling Depth Tested 

But despite being scratched early by injuries, the pace depth for the Australians remains strong as Josh Hazlewood cleared the fitness test. Boland is a reliable backup as he can extract bounce and movement from lively Australian surfaces. Starc, who combines left-arm pace with maximum swing, offers a fast contrast to Hazlewood’s control and accuracy. The Ashes, once again, will test the players to the ultimate in endurance and skills, and having a fully fit and firing pace attack is going to matter throughout the series. With Hazlewood’s recovery confirmed, Australia will now have a timely boost towards a strong start to the series. 

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What Does This Mean for the Ashes Opener?

It is assumed that the first Test in Perth will provide both bounce and carry conditions perfect for Australia’s pace attack. With the spine comprising Hazlewood, Starc, and Boland, Australia will have a pretty formidable attack even with the absence of their regular captain. However, it upholds very aggressive “Bazball” principles that England is trying to carry forward. The full strength of Australia under the light of Perth would actually test their adaptability.

Hazlewood and the rest of the squad will be tuning up their rhythm during the next few days of training because it promises to be another classic Ashes battle.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, Australia escaped a severe blow when Josh Hazlewood cleared the fitness test. His experience and consistency, especially with the lack of Pat Cummins, will be critical. The opening of the Ashes is shaping up to be quite an interesting duel in Perth, with both teams eager to get themselves into the early momentum.

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FAQs

Q: Is Josh Hazlewood fit to play his first Ashes Test?

A: Josh Hazlewood’s precautionary scans are all cleared, and he will be available for the first test match in Perth.

Q: Who is to fill in Pat Cummins’ gap in the first Test?

A: Scott Boland is mainly expected to take Pat Cummins’ place in the first Test, boosting that pace attack.

Q: Why is Sean Abbott currently making news headlines?

A: He was supposed to play the first test match, but due to a moderate hamstring strain he suffered while playing in a Sheffield Shield match.

Q: When is Pat Cummins coming back to the team?

A: Pat Cummins may get back to the team in Brisbane on December 4 for the Test.