Hazlewood injury and Cummins’ back trouble create bowling attack uncertainty for Ashes

Australia lost the series 2-1 in each of the first two matches. Moreover, these defeats were the fifth in a row for a team then led by Steve Smith. Hobart’s hiding lasted no more than two days, prompting a crisis visit to the dressing room from Cricket Australia’s then-CEO James Sutherland and head of performance Pat Howard. Election chief Rod Marsh resigned that week.

That doesn’t mean there will be similar chaos if Australia lose to England this summer. But it also underlines the fact that uncertainty about the structure of the bowling attack can lead to unrest and the loss of big matches.

Moreover, this Australian side has become much more bowler-led since Cummins took over the captaincy, shattering the norms of leadership and decision-making that have historically been in the top six of the batting order.

While Cummins’ presence in Perth may be useful for team discussions and plans for the remainder of the series, the fact that Hazlewood is sitting at home is far more troubling for the home team and a strong source of encouragement for England’s Ashes rivals.

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As the touring team’s performance boss, Rob Key, said: “I always find it a bit frustrating that they manage to keep these bowlers fit for just about anything. That’s the dream, isn’t it? Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, with the times they’ve been through, so much has happened because of those guys. To be able to keep your best bowlers fit for as long as possible is really the holy grail.”

There is no guarantee England can keep Jofra Archer and Mark Wood alive in the Ashes. But they currently have a better chance of reaching the starting line than the recovering Cummins and the recovering Hazlewood.

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