Josh-Hazlewood-sportstiger

Picture Credit: Twitter

In a big blow to Australia after taking a 1-0 lead against England in the five-match Ashes series, pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Test match due to a side strain. Hazlewood had sustained the injury while playing the first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane where the hosts helped themselves to a nine-wicket win over their arch-rivals in what was a dominating performance.

Reports have also revealed that Hazlewood was spotted in casual clothes while he took a flight to Sydney from Brisbane without any of his teammates for company. With the 30-year-old fast bowler being ruled out of the second Test match, it is Jhye Richardson who has been confirmed as his replacement in a report carried by Fox Sports. If this turns out to be true then it would be Richardson's third Test match after his first two coming in the series against Sri Lanka in 2019.

There were dark clouds looming over Hazelwood's fitness status as on the fourth day of the Ashes opener at Brisbane. This started after the bowler had gone back to the pavilion after bowling just eight overs. Even new Aussie skipper Pat Cummins talked about his fellow pacer pulling up sore during the England second innings.

"Yeah he was a little bit sore yesterday, so we just tried to get him through," Cummins had said.

Learnt a lot from the way Jos Buttler played: Travis Head

Meanwhile, it was Travis Head who was adjudged the Player of the Match for his fine hundred in the first innings which paved the way for a comfortable home win.

"The staff and Pat, JL, were fantastic with their communication, gave me real clarity. Great to get the nod, was a fantastic week and a great starting point for us. A lot of credit to Davey and Marnus' partnership, they set me up to take my opportunity," Head said at the post-match presentation.

"Learnt a lot from the way Jos Buttler played. Was a tough wicket in stages. I rode my luck and took my opportunities, nice to contribute. [Celebration] Rode the wave of emotion with the crowd, and Starcy, loved every minute of it," he added.