The Ashes: Australia’s Josh Hazlewood ruled out of first Test in Perth

Hazlewood, who took 295 wickets in 76 Tests, played just one match in Australia’s last home Ashes four years ago due to a side injury.

While Cummins is thought to be on track to play in the second Test in Brisbane, where he will reclaim the captaincy from Steve Smith, there is no indication of Hazlewood’s status outside Perth.

A statement from Australia said: “Josh Hazlewood underwent repeat imaging which confirmed a hamstring strain injury.

“Initial scans on Wednesday showed no muscle strain, but follow-up imaging confirmed the injury. Early imaging can sometimes underestimate low-grade muscle injuries.

“As a result, Hazlewood will not travel to Perth and have been eliminated from the first Ashes Test match.”

Along with Cummins, reserve seamer Sean Abbott also missed the first Test due to a hamstring injury.

Spencer Johnson and Lance Morris, both of whom have high tempo, have not been in the team for a long time.

Neser, who arrived in Perth after playing for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield last week, received the call before Fergus O’Neill.

Jhye Richardson, who won the last of his three Test matches against England four years ago, will be another option for the franchise after recovering from shoulder surgery.

Richardson will continue his return to the Cricket Australia XI against the England Lions next weekend.