Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of Australia's XI for the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.
The star quick didn't join his teammates on the flight to Adelaide, instead returning home to Sydney to undergo further assessment and rehabilitation on a side strain that caused him issues during Australia's nine-wicket win over England in the Ashes opener in Brisbane.
Hazlewood received scans after day three on Friday night before being deemed fit enough to play on and bowling six overs on the final day at the Gabba.
However, a decision has been made by medical staff to leave Hazlewood of the second Test starting on Thursday, with Cricket Australia declaring the veteran wicket-taker will be monitored for the Boxing Day Test.
The loss of Hazlewood ahead of the crucial day-night Test is a devastating one for the Aussies given the 30-year-old has taken 32 wickets at an average of 19.90 across seven matches with the pink ball.
Jhye Richardson, who was 12th man for the Ashes opener, is seen as Hazlewood's most likely replacement in Australia's bowling attack for Adelaide.
Richardson, 25, made an impressive Test debut against Sri Lanka back in 2019 and was on the brink of selection for the Ashes opener after an impressive start to his first-class campaign where he's nabbed 23 wickets at 13.43 in four games for Western Australia.
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Fast bowler Michael Neser, who took an impressive 5-29 and 2-36 in Australia A's 112-run tour match win over the England Lions over the weekend, will also figure in selection discussions, while leg spinner Mitchell Swepson is also part of the 14-man squad that flew to Adelaide.
Meanwhile, Australia are also sweating on the fitness of opener David Warner after sustaining bruised ribs from a blow to the body in his first innings.
Australian captain Pat Cummins said Warner would be monitored throughout the week in the lead up to the second Test.
"(He's) still pretty sore but should be right for Adelaide. We'll monitor him but think he'll be fine," Cummins said of Warner's rib injury.