(Cricket news) Australia got a thumping victory in the first Ashes Test at the Gabba. They beat England by 9 wickets on day 4 after an incredible all round performance. The next Test at Adelaide starts on 16th December. After the match, it was clear that England will have a lot of selection headaches but now Australia have got problems of their own.
Josh Hazelwood picked up a side injury while bowling on day 3 but still came back to bowl on day 4. He went from Brisbane to Sydney instead of going to Adelaide for the next Test which starts on Thursday. The seamer is now ruled out of the 2nd Test and is doubtful for the boxing day match at the MCG. Jhye Richardson is the most likely candidate to replace Hazelwood. Michael Neser who is yet to make his debut is the other candidate. Neser is bowling All-rounder which is a plus but Richardson has been in and around the squad for a long time.
To make matters worse David Warner is also a doubt for the game. The opener didn't field in England's 2nd innings nor did he come out to bat in the last innings. Warner who has been struggling with injuries for the last 2 years has bruised his ribs. Unlike Hazelwood, the batter hasn't been ruled out of the Test which means there will be a late call on his participation in the match. If Warner isn't available, Usman Khawaja is the only option. Khawaja is in scintillating form after scoring 460 runs in five Sheffield Shield games this season. Many believed that the Queensland skipper should've played ahead of Travis Head in the first Test but that debate ended in no time as Head smashed in ton in the last session of day 2.
Australia are still a strong team without Hazelwood and Warner but their absence is a massive advantage for England who need everything that they can get at this moment in time.
