The Ashes 2025-26: Sean Abbott ruled out of Perth test, Josh Hazlewood cleared after injury scare

Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott underwent scans for hamstring injuries.

Australian Cricket Team are pulling their socks up for The Ashes 2025-26 against England Cricket Team, which will commence with the first game at the Optus Stadium in Perth on November 21. Ahead of the clash, Australia pacers Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott faced injury scares.

Both of them are currently playing for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield 2025-26 against Victoria. On day three of the match on November 12 (Wednesday) at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, the duo left the field in the first session and did not return after lunch. Later, it was revealed that both of them underwent scans for hamstring issues.

Both Hazlewood and Abbott are part of the Australia squad for the first test of The Ashes 2025-26. Australia are already dealing with a massive blow as captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first test.

Sean Abbott ruled out of Perth test due to a hamstring injury: Cricket Australia

In a statement, Cricket Australia (CA) revealed that Hazlewood has been cleared of any injury, however, Abbott will miss the Perth test due to a hamstring injury.

“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,” the statement read.

“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,” it further added.

Both Hazlewood and Abbott were part of the recent T20I series against India. However, both of them left the series midway to play in Sheffield Shield 2025-26. Abbott’s injury will be a big blow to Australia in the Perth test, as they are already short of captain Cummins from the match due to a back injury.

In Cummins’ absence, Mitchell Starc and Hazlewood will lead Australia’s pace attack in the Perth test. Moreover, Scott Boland is expected to be the third pacer in the playing XI. Steve Smith will captain Australia in the encounter. Cummins is expected to return for the second game at The Gabba and is currently training in the nets to be fit ahead of the clash.

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