Abbott ruled out of Ashes opener, Hazlewood cleared

Abbott ruled out of Ashes opener, Hazlewood cleared

Australia have fresh injury concerns ahead of the Ashes, with fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott both leaving the field on Day 3 of the Sheffield Shield clash between New South Wales and Victoria at the SCG.

Scans cleared Hazlewood of a muscle strain, and he will join the Australian squad as planned for the Perth Test. Abbott, however, has been ruled out with a moderate-grade hamstring injury and will not be available for selection for the first Test.

Australia are taking a precautionary approach with Hazlewood, especially with captain Pat Cummins already ruled out of the Ashes opener. The team is short on fast-bowling options, with Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, and Spencer Johnson all currently sidelined.

Abbott's absence could open the door for a potential debut for Brendan Doggett, who has taken 13 Sheffield Shield wickets this season.

Cummins continued his rehabilitation at the SCG, aiming to be fit for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba starting December 4.