Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood has been
ruled out of the fifth and final Ashes Test scheduled to be played in Hobart
from January 14. Hazlewood, who missed Australia’s last three Tests, picked up
a lingering side strain in the series opener against England at Gabba,
Brisbane. Coach Justin Langer, however, is hopeful of the experienced pacer’s
return to the side for the home ODI series against New Zealand this month.

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Hazlewood will remain in Sydney for further
rehabilitation for Australia’s white-ball series against New Zealand and Sri
Lanka before the team tour Pakistan in March.

Langer said Hazlewood has been left
frustrated as the injury continues to linger. “It’s been really tough on him,
he has been really hanging out to play in this Ashes series like everyone,”
Langer said.

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“We thought Josh Hazlewood was coming
back into the team. Unfortunately Josh hasn’t come up. Hopefully he’ll be right
for the white-ball games,” Langer told reporters after the third day’s
play in the fourth Test in Sydney.

Despite Hazlewood’s absence, Australia won
the Ashes series 3-0 in Melbourne. They are now set for another big win in the
fourth Test in Sydney. At the time of filing this report, Australia’s lead
crossed 350 runs mark at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

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In Hazlewood’s absence, Jhye Richardson
impressed in Adelaide while Scott Boland produced a man-of-the-match-winning
performance in his debut test in Melbourne and was retained for the ongoing
fourth test in Sydney.

On Friday, Boland was sent for scans after
he tumbled in follow-through while bowling the final ball of day 3 in the
second session but Langer said the 32-year-old Victorian would be ready to bowl
when England resume on 258-7 on Saturday.

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“He was actually alright to bowl
tonight,” the coach said.

“Thankfully there’s no fractures. He’s
going to be sore in the cartilage between his ribs, but hopefully he’ll be
right to bowl tomorrow or in the second inning.”