- By Namrata Vijay
- Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:44 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ashes 2025: Australian bowlers got a setback in their Sheffield Shield game against Victoria at the SCG as both Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott left the ground post lunch on the third day and didn't come back. The time at which they got injured, just days before the 1st Ashes Test match, has only added more woes to the hosts, as skipper Pat Cummins has already been ruled out owing to an injury.
Both Hazlewood and Abbott have undergone scans, as details about their injuries haven't been revealed, as per ESPN Cricinfo. The doctors haven't revealed anything official, and that has made their availability for future matches uncertain. Both these players are important members of Australia's Ashes Test team, and if they are ruled out, then it will have a huge impact on the team.
Hazlewood had bowled in 18 overs of the first innings and then nine more in the second innings, in which he had taken a wicket on the 3rd day. Abott too made a significant contribution as he had registered figures of 4/18 in the second innings and had bowled in 19 overs. Their performances showed how important they are to their state teams and to the national team as well.
Halewood and Aboot's workload have been observed closely as both these bowlers had bowled on all three days after NSW's first innings got over in 49.5 overs. This gave them little rest, and that's why they got injured. The huge demand for these players is quite concerning for selectors before the hectic Test schedule.
Bowlers like Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon also played in the same shield game, which showed that the Australian Test bowlers have shared equal responsibility in a single match. The number of key players playing in a single domestic match has put the host bowlers at risk before the series opener.
In case both Hazlewood and Abbott are unavailable for the first Ashes Test, then the team management will have to depend on backup players. Brendan Doggett, who had registered figures of 5/66 while playing for South Australia, is part of the 15-member team. Michael Neser is also in contention.
If Hazlewood and Abbott do need time to recover, then the host's ability to pick a full-fledged bowling attack for the series opener will get tested. Things only got worse for them when Cummins was ruled out.
The Australian selectors will be keeping a close watch on Hazlewood and Abbott in the next few days. The first Ashes Test match between Australia and England will be held in Perth from November 21.