Australia’s Ashes preparations received a jolt as fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott faced injury concerns during the Sheffield Shield clash between New South Wales and Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
While Hazlewood has been cleared to join the squad for the Perth Ashes opener, Abbott has been ruled out due to a moderate-grade hamstring injury.
Cricket Australia confirmed that Hazlewood, who reported tightness in his right hamstring late in Victoria’s innings, underwent precautionary scans that revealed no muscle strain. He is expected to continue training in the lead-up to the first Test.
Abbott, on the other hand, suffered left hamstring soreness, with scans confirming a moderate-grade injury, ruling him out of selection for the Perth Test. His return-to-play timeline will be determined in the coming weeks.
The Australian camp faces a fast-bowling shortage, with regular captain Pat Cummins already sidelined for the opener and other pacers like Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, and Spencer Johnson unavailable.
Should another injury occur, 31-year-old Brendan Doggett, who has impressed this season with 13 Sheffield Shield wickets at an average of 14.69 following his own minor hamstring issue, could be drafted into the side.
Meanwhile, Cummins continues rehabilitation at the SCG, targeting fitness for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba starting December 4. The team’s management is expected to take a precautionary approach with Hazlewood in the coming days to ensure optimal fitness for the series opener in Perth.
