Series omens Booker winner this year is bad for England

Contrary to what you may have read in some other publications, Josh Hazlewood’s hamstring injury is a massive boost to Australia’s hopes of victory in the first Test in Perth.

- Simon Burnton

The 34-year-old, you see, has proven beyond all doubt over an 11-year international career that he is a terrible hindrance to his team.

Since the Tamworth-born terror made his Test debut in December 2014 he has played in 76 of Australia’s 107 Tests, of which they have won 39 (51%), while losing 24 (32%). Decent numbers, but it’s when you strip him from the side that they really thrive, with 22 wins (71%) and five defeats (16%) in 31 games. His impact in the Ashes, if anything, is even more damaging: they have won 50% and lost 33% of their 18 games with him, but won 71% and lost 14%, a single rogue game, of their seven without his malign presence.