Hazlewood cleared of injury but Abbott out of Test

Josh Hazlewood cricket action

The bowler has claimed 295 international wickets maintaining an average of 24.21 across 76 Test matches

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The green light was given to Hazlewood to link up with Australia's squad ahead of the opening Ashes match after an injury scare, although compatriot Abbott is unavailable

Both suffered muscle problems playing for their state team in the Victoria clash during Sheffield Shield action recently

Scans showed the 34-year-old Hazlewood escaped a muscle strain. The uncapped Abbott, 33, has a "moderate grade" injury

Captain Pat Cummins is out of the first Test, commencing later this month, so the loss of a key pace option in Hazlewood would have been a serious concern

Abbott was not expected to participate at the Perth match, as Hazlewood prepares to team up Starc and Boland forming the fast bowling unit

Cummins, who is recovering from a back injury, appears to be likely to comeback for the Brisbane match beginning December 4 in Brisbane

Batter Steve Smith will lead Australia during the captain's recovery

Following other Aussie squad members, Hazlewood participated in ongoing fixtures of Sheffield Shield matches ahead of the England series

Before this week, he had not played red-ball cricket representing NSW for over twelve months

He experienced stiffness in his hamstring towards the end of Victoria's second innings during the match and left the field taking preventive measures

Neither Hazlewood nor Abbott came out to bat during their team's second batting effort as they lost in a substantial margin

"We have one week before the international cricket - always err on the side of caution," commented Cummins

"The medical staff sought to identify the exact situation ahead of risking and potentially making the injury more severe"

"It's rare to get him cheerful, so it was good to witness his smile"

"He understands his physique extremely well. He appeared a little bit worried (seeking to obtain medical assessment"

Abbott has won 57 international selections representing Australia in limited-overs formats

Without Test experience the pace bowler provides bowling backup within the team, providing cover for the primary fast bowlers

Megan Brown
Megan Brown

A passionate mountaineer and outdoor writer with over a decade of experience exploring remote peaks and sharing adventure insights.

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