Ashes Relief: Hazlewood Cleared, But Abbott Ruled Out of Perth Test

Published on November 18, 2025

Australia’s pace attack suffers a blow ahead of the inaugural Ashes 2025-26 Test in Perth. Veteran seamer Josh Hazlewood has been cleared to play on one hand; on the other, backup bowler Sean Abbott has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Reporting tightness in his right hamstring, Josh Hazlewood left the field late in his team’s Sheffield Shield game at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Cricket Australia confirmed, nevertheless, that he would train and travel as planned for the first Test starting 21 November; later scans found no muscle strain. Meanwhile, Abbott experienced left-hamstring pain during the same game; scans have shown a moderate-grade hamstring injury.

The timing of Abbott’s injury is quite sensitive, as Australia’s fast-bowling unit has to lean on Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland now that skipper Pat Cummins is already sidelined for the opener with a back problem. As a possible cover choice, the selectors are also watching the form of players, including Brendan Doggett, who has taken 13 wickets at an average of 14.69 this season.

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Although Hazlewood’s clearance provides some respite, his most recent fitness problem raises some warning within the camp. “It’s rare to see Hazlewood a bit anxious,” one senior Australian said, alluding to the high-stakes nature of Australia’s bowling resources ahead of the Ashes. Sean Abbott views the loss as an uphill climb. Having been nominated among the reserves for the Ashes squad, missing the opener greatly lowers his present prospects of making the XI. Management of the team must now show depth and make sure their bowling assault can still function without Cummins.

The heat is on not only to win back the urn but also to do so with a somewhat diminished pace arsenal as Australia enters Optus Stadium in Perth. Hazlewood is ready; nevertheless, the margin for error is smaller than ever.