Abbott ruled out of Ashes opener, Hazlewood cleared
Australia were dealt fresh injury concerns in the lead-up to the Ashes, with fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott failing to take the field after Lunch on Day 3 of the Sheffield Shield clash between New South Wales and Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Both bowlers were sent for scans and while Hazlewood was cleared to resume preparation for the Ashes opener in Perth, Abbott has been ruled out with a moderate-grade hamstring injury."Josh Hazlewood will join the Australian squad as planned in Perth Ashes Test," a Cricket Australia media release confirmed on Wednesday (November 12). "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."Australia are expected to take a precautionary approach with Hazlewood over the next few days, particularly with regular captain and pace spearhead Pat Cummins already ruled out of next week's Ashes opener in Perth. Australia are worryingly short on fast-bowling options, with Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, and Spencer Johnson all sidelined at the moment.While Abbott is an unlikely starter at Perth, any other injury setback could open the door for a debut for Brendan Doggett, the 31-year-old who has impressed this season with 13 Sheffield Shield wickets at 14.69 since returning from his own minor hamstring setback.Meanwhile, Cummins continued his rehabilitation at the SCG on the sidelines of the Shield fixture, working towards full fitness in a bid to be available for the second Ashes Test, starting at the Gabba on December 4.
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