Brisbane May 28 (IANS) Australia were dealt a major blow ahead of their limited-overs tour to England after pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood was ruled out with a back injury.
Uncapped Queensland quick Michael Neser has been named as the 27-year-old Hazlewood s replacement in the already-depleted squad sans the injured duo of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
"Josh has been managing some low level bone stress in his lumbar spine for a short period " Cricket Australia (CA) physiotherapist David Beakley said in a statement.
"He had a repeat scan today and although it has not progressed to a fracture he is starting to experience some lower back pain.
"As such we are taking a conservative approach and he will not travel to England for the one-day series " Beakley added.
The uncapped Neser will now be a part of a rookie Kangaroo attack led by Kane Richardson (15 ODIs) Andrew Tye (four) Jhye Richardson (one) and Billy Stanlake (two).
The Aussies will play five ODIs and a lone T20 in their tour of England starting with the first 50-over game at The Oval on June 13.

--IANS tri/bg