Josh Hazlewood has been cleared to be available for the first Ashes Test after the veteran pacer suffered an injury scare during a Sheffield Shield game. Meanwhile, Sean Abbott has been ruled out of the series opener in Perth due to a hamstring injury.
Playing for their domestic side, the New South Wales duo did not return to the field after lunch on day three of the Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), instead undergoing scans.
“Josh Hazlewood will join the Australian squad as planned for the Perth Ashes Test,” a Cricket Australia media release confirmed on Wednesday (12 November). “Hazlewood left the field late in Victoria’s innings at the SCG today, reporting tightness in his right hamstring. He underwent precautionary scans which have cleared him of muscle strain. He will train as planned in the lead-up to the first Test in Perth.
“Sean Abbott also left the field having reported left hamstring soreness. Scans confirmed a moderate-grade hamstring injury. He will not be available for selection for the first Test match in Perth, and his return-to-play plan will be developed over the coming weeks,” the release added.
Hazlewood’s injury is not serious, but he will be assessed before the Perth Test. Abbott’s injury is the latest blow to Australia’s fast-bowling stocks. Cummins has already been ruled out of the first Test against England due to a back issue, while the Australians are also missing Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson through injury. Cricket Australia haven’t announced a replacement of injured Abbott in the squad.
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