Australia have confirmed some major bowling updates ahead of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide. While captain Pat Cummins is set to make his long-awaited return, the news on Josh Hazlewood is a big blow for the hosts.

Josh Hazlewood ruled out for rest of Ashes

Josh Hazlewood has been officially ruled out of the remaining Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles injuries. The veteran pacer missed Australia’s dominant eight-wicket victories in both Perth and Brisbane and had been expected to return at some point during the five-match series. However, setbacks in his recovery have now ended his campaign completely.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald said the 33-year-old will shift his focus toward preparing for the T20 World Cup early next year, which is an important tournament for the team. McDonald described the situation as “really flat” for Hazlewood, adding that they didn’t see the setbacks coming and had hoped he would play a significant role in the series.

Hazlewood has been a key member of Australia’s pace attack for over a decade, forming a feared trio with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. His absence forces Australia to continue relying on their backup seamers, though their depth has held up impressively so far.

Pat Cummins set to return as captain in Adelaide

There is positive news on the captaincy front, with Pat Cummins expected to return for the third Test starting December 17 in Adelaide. The 32-year-old has been sidelined with a back problem and missed the first two Tests while Steve Smith led the side in his absence.

Cummins has ramped up his training workload at Allan Border Field in Brisbane during the second Test and is set to be recalled when the squad is announced on Wednesday, December 11. McDonald expressed confidence that Cummins is “as best prepared as can be,” saying that simulation work in the nets has him skill-ready and his body is now good to go. Barring any last-minute issues, Cummins will be back tossing the coin and wearing the captain’s blazer in Adelaide.

Mitchell Starc leading the attack

Mitchell Starc has been the standout performer with the ball for Australia in the opening two Tests, taking 18 wickets and winning back-to-back player-of-the-match awards. He has been the only regular member of Australia’s first-choice pace attack to feature in Perth and Brisbane, and his form has been crucial to Australia’s 2-0 series lead.

Stand-in seamers Michael Neser and Brendon Doggett have also stepped up well in the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood, showing the strength of Australia’s fast bowling depth. With Cummins returning, the attack will be even stronger heading into Adelaide, though Hazlewood’s absence leaves a clear gap.

England must win in Adelaide to stay alive

England are under massive pressure after losing the first two Tests and are now in Noosa taking a few days to rest and reset before the crucial third Test. They need to win in Adelaide to have any realistic chance of reclaiming the Ashes, otherwise the series could slip away completely.

The remaining schedule sees the fourth Test start on Boxing Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the fifth and final Test beginning January 4 in Sydney. England have not won an Ashes Test in Australia since the 2010-11 series, a drought they are desperate to end.