Is Hazlewood Fit for the Ashes Opener? Abbott Out!
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, Australia's Josh Hazlewood has been cleared of serious injury, just in time for the Ashes opener, while Sean Abbott faces a setback with a hamstring issue. As the team navigates injuries, all eyes are on Hazlewood. Will he be ready to lead the pace attack against England?
Key Takeaways
- Josh Hazlewood has been cleared for the Ashes opener.
- Sean Abbott is ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
- Australia's captain Pat Cummins is also out for the first Test.
- Hazlewood remains a key player for the Australian pace attack.
- Team management is prioritizing player safety as the series approaches.
Sydney, Nov 12 (NationPress) Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood has been deemed free from significant injury concerns, while Sean Abbott will miss the series opener due to a “moderate grade hamstring injury.”
Both Hazlewood and Abbott underwent medical examinations after experiencing discomfort during day three of NSW's Sheffield Shield match against Victoria. The seamers, who bowled a total of nine overs, did not return to the field after lunch on Wednesday.
Fortunately, Hazlewood, a pivotal player in Australia's bowling lineup for the first Test against England in Perth, has received clearance from precautionary scans that showed no signs of muscle strain.
“He will participate in training as scheduled leading up to the first Test in Perth,” a spokesperson from Cricket Australia confirmed regarding Hazlewood.
In contrast, Abbott, who sustained a “moderate grade” strain to his left hamstring, “will not be available for selection” for the initial Test match in Perth. “His return-to-play plan will be formulated in the coming weeks,” the spokesperson added.
Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, is already out for the first Test against England due to a back issue, with the squad also missing Lance Morris and Spencer Johnson due to injuries.
On Wednesday, while in Sydney, Cummins stated that Hazlewood was in good spirits after his medical assessment. “I was at the SCG. There was quite a bit going on there for about an hour,” Cummins mentioned during a Cricket Australia announcement for major sponsors NRMA.
“Both players had scans. I don’t have all the details yet, but Josh seemed quite positive after his check-up. I hope he’s fine. As for Seany, I’m uncertain; they are still evaluating his condition.
“Both experienced hamstring issues. With just a week left before the Test series, it’s wise to be cautious, so they wanted to assess the situation before proceeding, to avoid any further injury.
“Let’s hope there’s minimal disruption. We’ll monitor the situation closely over the next 24 hours. Josh appeared optimistic when he left, so I’m hopeful it won’t be a major issue.”
Point of View
Our commitment is to provide unbiased reporting. In this latest update, we emphasize the significance of player health as Australia prepares for a critical Test series against England, acknowledging both Hazlewood’s readiness and Abbott’s setback.
NationPress
11/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Josh Hazlewood's injury status?
Josh Hazlewood has been cleared of any major injuries and will participate in training for the first Test.
Why is Sean Abbott not playing in the Ashes opener?
Sean Abbott will miss the game due to a moderate grade hamstring injury.
Who else is injured in the Australian team?
Captain Pat Cummins, Lance Morris, and Spencer Johnson are also unavailable due to injuries.
What did Pat Cummins say about Hazlewood's condition?
Pat Cummins mentioned that Hazlewood appeared in good spirits after his scan, indicating optimism for his participation.
When does the Ashes series start?
The Ashes series against England is set to begin shortly, with the first Test match taking place in Perth.
