Blow for Australia as Josh Hazlewood is ruled out of Ashes opener

The seamer complained about stiffness in his hamstring during a first-class fixture for New South Wales against Victoria but it was initially cleared of anything serious.

A second scan however confirmed the an injury and Hazlewood will not travel to Perth with Queensland seamer Michael Neser added to the squad.

A statement by Cricket Australia said: "Initial scans Wednesday were clear of muscle strain, however follow-up imaging today has confirmed the injury.

"Early imaging can occasionally underestimate low-grade muscle injuries."

Australia captain Pat Cummins had already been ruled out of at least the opening Test as he recovers from a back injury.

With two senior pacemen ruled out, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland now become important for the hosts with Brendan Doggett set for a Test debut.

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