SYDNEY: Just before the Ashes series opening Test, a major blow came to the Australian side as it was confirmed that fast bowler Josh Hazlewood would not feature in the first match.
Cricket Australia made the revelation that Hazlewood has been nursing a hamstring strain and therefore had to give up the Perth Test. The decision was made to take Michael Neser as his substitute.
The injury to the Australian paceman is a big blow to the trouble they have had with their fast bowling lineup. The hamstring strain that led to Sean Abbott’s exclusion has been followed by a back problem for captain Pat Cummins, due to which he will not play the first Test.
The first Test of the eagerly awaited Ashes series between Australia and England is going to take place in Perth from November 21.
Australia gears up for 150th anniversary of Ashes series
The showcase cricket series between England and Australia will be celebrated by Cricket Australia with the 150th anniversary of the Ashes match to be held at Melbourne from the 11th to the 17th of March 2027.
The local authorities running the show have revealed a lottery system for tickets as a way to give access to this commemorative match because it’s the very first time such a system will be used owing to the great demand for this event. ex-Australian Test captain Greg Chappell and ex-Test captain Sir Ian Botham of England will meet the press and enlighten them about the occasion in detail.
On the 15-19 of March 1877 the very first Test match between England and Australia was played at Melbourne Cricket Ground. In the first innings, Australia with Dave Gregory as captain scored 245 runs while Charles Bannerman made history as the first player in the Test cricket to score a century (165 runs). England under the leadership of James Lillywhite Jr., were bowled out for 196 in the second innings with the top scorer being Harry Jupp who made 63 runs. In their second innings, Australia made 104 for the loss of some wickets thus giving England a target of 154 which they were able to achieve 108 runs short hence the Australians got the victory.
The legendary game that was to become the basis of the Ashes series, although the famous Ashes concept was officially created in 1882. The celebration of Cricket Australia’s plan is to remember the series’ heritage and its influence to the game all over the globe.
