Back troubles rule Hazlewood out of England tour

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Australia suffered a blow with the news that seamer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of next month’s limited-overs tour to England due to having back soreness.

Queensland seamer Michael Neser, who is uncapped at international level, has been called up as a replacement for the tour that will see the Aussies play five ODIs and a T20I against England.

Hazlewood’s withdrawal will leave the Aussies with a depleted pace attack in the UK as Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins are also nursing injuries.

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Cricket Australia physiotherapist David Beakley said: “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.”

The 28-year-old Neser has taken 41 wickets in 38 List A matches at an average of 36 and has earned a reputation as a skilful swing bowler on Australia’s domestic circuit.

Neser will join Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Billy Stanlake and Andrew Tye as the pacemen in the Aussies’ 14-man squad while allrounder Marcus Stoinis will also be a seam bowling option.

Australia ODI squad: Tim Paine (capt & wk), Aaron Finch (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey (wk), Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Michael Neser

Australia tour to England Josh Hazlewood

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