In Sydney game‑time medical checks, Australia relieved its fans with good news about pace ace Josh Hazlewood and a shout‑out of the injury reality for fellow bowler Sean Abbott.
Both men were taken for scans after feeling pain on day three of a New South Wales Sheffield Shield match against Victoria. They bowled nine overs each, but neither returned to the field after lunch on Wednesday.
Hazlewood—key to the Australian attack while skipper Pat Cummins stays sidelined with a back problem—underwent precautionary scans that cleared him of any muscle strain. “He’ll train as planned in the run‑up to the first Test in Perth,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson confirmed. Hazlewood himself looked upbeat after the scan, giving a lift to the team’s morale.
Abbott, however, suffered a “moderate grade” strain in his left hamstring. He will be unavailable for selection for the opening Test in Perth. “His return‑to‑play plan will be developed over the coming weeks,” the spokesperson added. This means the upcoming series will start with a thinner pace attack until Abbott can come back.
The lineup also faces further absences: Lance Morris and Spencer Johnson are still out with injuries, and Pat Cummins is ruled out of the first Test due to his back issue. Cricket Australia has been cautious, opting to test comings and goings rather than risk a setback.
The skipper, who was in Sydney on Wednesday, said Hazlewood had “been in great spirits” and looked confident after the scan. He added that the team would continue to monitor Abbott’s hamstring closely, recognizing the importance of erring on the side of caution a week before a major Test series.
With Perth set to host England’s men next week, Australians will start the series slightly shorthanded but with a healthy Hazlewood ready to bowl. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely how Abbott’s injury develops and whether the team can live up to expectations against England’s top‑order batting line‑up.
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