Josh Hazlewood set to miss Hobart Test

The seamer hasn't played since taking three wickets in the Brisbane Test due to a side strain

Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the fifth Ashes Test, bringing an end to the seamer's series.

The 30-year-old took three wickets in the series opener at Brisbane but has since been missing with a lingering side issue.

Rather than joining Justin Langer's squad in Hobart, Hazlewood will remain in Sydney to continue his rehabilitation ahead of Australia's next assignment, white-ball series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

"It's been really tough on him, he has been really hanging out to play in this Ashes series like everyone," said Langer.

However, he has been restricted to a watching brief since starting at the Gabba as Australia's seam-bowling depth has impressed, with Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson and Scott Boland all thriving in his absence.

^{Hazlewood hasn't played since the opening Test (Patrick Hamilton/AFP via Getty Images)}

A statement from Cricket Australia added: "Hazlewood, the national selection panel and sports science and sports medicine ream agreed he would remain in Sydney for the next three weeks before joining the squad for the one-day international series against New Zealand and T20 International Series against Sri Lanka.

"The New Zealand and Sri Lanka series will form part of his preparations for the Test and white-ball tour of Pakistan from early March."

Hazlewood's misfortune, though, means that the trio will be competing for a spot once again at Hobart, though it would take a harsh judge to leave out Boland on current form. He has taken 11 wickets in his first three Test innings, including six as England were bowled out for 68 at the MCG.

Boland was briefly a doubt himself for the fifth Test, requiring a scan after landing awkwardly on his ribs on the third afternoon. He returned the next morning to dismiss Jonny Bairstow and Stuart Broad.

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