Josh Hazlewood will miss the second Ashes Test, a day-night match at the Adelaide Oval. He endured a side strain in the first Test, at the Gabba, Brisbane, where he bowled 27 overs and picked up three wickets.
Hazlewood boasts an impressive record in pink-ball Test matches, having picked 32 wickets at 19.90. He did not bowl in the third afternoon at the Gabba, and was later taken to a scan which revealed a minor strain. He did bowl six overs on the fourth morning, but the team management decided to keep him fresh for the Boxing Day Test.
Jhye Richardson is most likely to take up his spot. Richardson has had a terrific outing with Western Australia in Sheffield Shield, where he managed 23 wickets in four games.
However, a five-wicket haul against England Lions has put uncapped Michael Neser in contention as well. In Sheffield Shield, Neser has bagged 236 wickets in 62 games and averages 24.48 with the bat.
The second Test will begin on 16 December. Australia are 1-0 up with a nine-wicket win in the opening Test.