Ashes 2015: Anderson, Hazlewood out of the fifth Test

Ashes 2015: Anderson, Hazlewood out of the fifth Test: Australia’s Josh Hazlewood and England’s Jimmy Anderson have both been ruled out of the fifth Ashes Test starting tomorrow due to injuries. Australian coach Darren Lehmann said Hazlewood is not injured, but dealing with some “niggling problems” that will be investigated further when he returns home.

“Josh has played six Tests since the West Indies tour and the last nine Tests for Australia, as well as playing an important part in the (World Cup),” he said.

“He has managed to get through this period without any major injury which is pleasing, though currently, he does have some niggling problems that we would like to manage. As such, he was not considered for selection for the fifth Test.” Lehmann added.

Hazlewood was unable to train on Tuesday due to sore shins. Pat Cummins is expected to be recalled in Australia’s squad for the Ashes finale. Cummins claimed 3-64 and hit his highest first-class score of 82 not out against the Northants in Australia’s tour match last week.

Meanwhile, England fast bowler James Anderson has also been ruled out of the fifth Test after failing to recover from a side strain he suffered during the second innings at Edgbaston. Anderson missed the fourth Test at Trent Bridge and England has opted against rushing him back.

Captain Alastair Cook on Wednesday said Anderson was still around a week away from full fitness having only returned on Tuesday to bowl in the nets. “Unfortunately, he’s not going to make it,” Cook said. “He’s gutted about it. He’s made really good progress from where he was at Edgbaston but this is a week or so too soon. He bowled in the nets yesterday but at about 60-70 per cent and that’s not how you go into a game. He’s really gutted. The medical team have been brilliant with him but he’s still about a week away” the skipper added.

As a result, England could be unchanged for the final Test with Mark Wood retaining his spot, and if not more Australia will certainly have one bowling change.