Hazlewood ruled out of Oval Test

Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the fifth Ashes Test as he recovers from minor "niggles" that have built up over a gruelling period for Australia.

Australia's Bupa Support Team Head Coach Darren Lehmann confirmed Hazlewood's omission on the eve of the final Test.

"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," Lehmann said in a statement.

"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.

"On his return to Australia his niggles will be investigated further and he will work with our coaches, and our medical and fitness staff to have him prepared for the next series he is selected to play in."

Hazlewood has taken 40 wickets in his nine Tests since debuting in Brisbane last summer, and has also played 11 one-day internationals from November 2014 including the 2015 Cricket World Cup final in Melbourne.

Pat Cummins looms as Hazlewood's likely replacement after a solid performance against Northamptonshire in Australia's final tour match last week.

Cummins claimed 3-64 and hit his highest first-class score of 82no against Northants and is likely to add to his one Test cap from 2011 when he debuted as an 18-year-old in Johannesburg in a man-of-the-match performance.

"The body felt perfect - no niggle or anything," Cummins said on Sunday.

"I was speaking to the physio today and we were trying to work it out ... I've been bowling for two years straight and I think I've missed one week out of the two years.

"And I've had no niggles or anything, so I can't be any more ready if I get the call-up."

Meanwhile, England fast bowler James Anderson has been ruled out of the fifth Test after failing to recover from a side strain he suffered during Australia's second innings at Edgbaston.

England captain Alastair Cook said both Anderson and leg-spinning allrounder Adil Rashid will miss the final Test of the Ashes as hosts look to inflict the heaviest defeat to a visiting Australian side by winning the series 4-1.

Cook 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."

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