Before the second Ashes Test in Adelaide, Australia got a big blow as their key player Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out due to the side strain which he picked up in Brisbane. And, Jhye Richardson, the Western Australia pacer, may replace him as well.

However, Hazlewood had bowled on the fourth day at the Gabba, despite being held back for a long time in the innings, after scans had shown a “very minor” strain but it seems he would not take the risk for the day-night Test as well. He returned to Sydney on Sunday instead of travelling to Adelaide with the focus now on being ready for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne as well.

ALSO READ: Fans react as the first Test between INDvNZ ended in a draw

Like others, he too came into the Ashes without any proper match practice for the longer format. He has taken 32 wickets at 19.90 in seven day-night Tests as well. The series will see a second match under lights after the relocation of the Perth fixture to Hobart. And, Jhye Richardson is the frontrunner to come into the playing XI after having enjoyed an impressive Sheffield Shield season where he has picked up 23 wickets at 13.43.

Notably, he played his last two Tests against Sri Lanka in 2019, whereas his debut came in a day-night match at the Gabba where he registered the match figures of 5 for 45. However, the uncapped Michael Neser has done well in recent times by taking seven wickets against England Lions including 5 for 29 in the first innings as well.

READ HERE: Wasim Jaffer names batting-order for 2nd Test vs New Zealand

However, Australia have not made any changes to the squad for the second Test. Moreover, David Warner did not field during England’s second innings in Brisbane nor did even he bat in the small chase after getting a blow to the ribs against Ben Stokes but he is expected to be a match fit before. Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja could replace him as well.