Back injury forces Hazlewood out of England tour

London: In a major blow to Australia, seamer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the upcoming limited-overs tour of England due to a bone stress injury on his back.

Confirming the news, team physio David Beakley said the Cricket Australia has decided to take a conservative approach with the 27-year-old, who has been managing some low-level bone stress for quite some time now.

“Josh has been managing some low-level bone stress in his lumbar spine for a short period. He had a repeat scan today and although it has not progressed to a fracture he is starting to experience some lower-back pain. As such, we are taking a conservative approach and he will not travel to England for the one-day series,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Beakley, as saying.

As a result, Queensland seam bowler Michael Neser has been named in the Australian squad as Hazlewood’s replacement for the upcoming limited-over series against England.

Hazlewood has now joined Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in the injury list. Cummins is currently recovering from swelling in the vertebrae, while Starc has been out of action due to a bone stress reaction in his right leg.

Australia are slated to play four-match ODI series and one-off T20I match against England, beginning June 13 at the Oval. (ANI)