Ashes 2025: Hazlewood Cleared for Perth Test, Abbott Ruled Out with Hamstring Injury

Australia's Ashes preparations were given a major blow as their key fast bowlers, Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott, were injured during the Sheffield Shield encounter between New South Wales and Victoria at the SCG in Sydney. Cricket Australia has, however, announced that Hazlewood has been cleared to play in the opening Test at Perth that starts on November 21st, while Abbott has been ruled out of the first match with a grade-two hamstring injury. It has come at the worst possible time, just nine days ahead of the Perth Test, when the Australian pace attack is already struggling with injuries.

Hazlewood, who had stiffness in his right hamstring towards the end of Victoria's second innings, was sent for a precautionary scan. According to reports, no muscle strain was detected, and he will continue normal training. Captain Pat Cummins said at the SCG, "Hazlewood looked very upbeat after the scan. With the Test a week away, caution is a must." Abbott, meanwhile, experienced pain in his left hamstring, and scans confirmed a moderate injury. CA issued a statement saying Abbott would be unavailable for the first Test, and his return plan would be finalized in the coming weeks.

Both bowlers shouldered a heavy burden in the match, with NSW's first innings being bundled out for 128 in just 49.5 overs, forcing Hazlewood, Abbott, and Mitchell Starc to bowl on all three days. Abbott took four wickets in Victoria's second innings, including three in six balls, but the injury dashed his hopes of an Ashes debut.

The Australian team is grappling with a severe shortage of fast bowlers. Regular captain Pat Cummins is out of the first Test due to a back injury and is undergoing rehabilitation at the SCG. He is focusing on fitness for the second Test, starting at the Gabba on December 4th. Furthermore, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, and Spencer Johnson are also struggling with injuries or availability issues, leaving the pace team thin. If Hazlewood develops any problems, the team management will exercise caution.

31-year-old Brendan Doggett is a rising star in this crisis. The South Australian fast bowler has shown excellent form in the 2025-26 Sheffield Shield, taking 13 wickets at an average of 14.69, including two five-wicket hauls. He recently took 5/66 against Tasmania, taking a total of 32 wickets at an average of 16.82. He is in the 15-man squad for the first Test and is on the verge of making his debut. Cummins also said, "Doggett is in good form and is a strong contender for the first Test."