Australia’s preparation for the highly anticipated Ashes 2025-26 series has taken a worrying turn, with fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott suffering injury scares just days before the first Test in Perth. Both pacers, who were expected to play key roles in the series opener at Optus Stadium starting November 21, left the field during the Sheffield Shield clash between New South Wales and Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground and did not return after lunch on Day 3.

According to a report by ESPN Cricinfo, “The pair did not appear after the lunch break on day three, having left the field during the first session, and it’s understood they are being assessed. The exact nature of any injury had yet to be confirmed by officials.”

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Hazlewood, in particular, has been in exceptional form and was a sure starter for the opening Test. His potential absence would be a significant blow to the hosts, especially with captain Pat Cummins already unavailable for the first match.

INJURY CONCERNS

Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott pick up niggles ahead of The Ashes.

The duo failed to take the field after lunch on Day 3 of the Sheffield Shield clash between New South Wales and Victoria @Bangers pic.twitter.com/iLCN1aObRb

— ᴳʳᵒᵏ (@Nodle_Hair) November 12, 2025

Josh Hazlewood bowled 18 overs in the first innings and nine in the second, dismissing Victoria wicketkeeper Sam Harper, who Abbott caught. Abbott, meanwhile, impressed with the ball, taking four wickets for just 18 runs in the second innings.

Alongside Hazlewood and Abbott, fellow Australian stars Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland are also featuring in the same match. Starc and Lyon picked up four wickets each in the first innings, while Boland claimed 2 for 27.

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If neither Hazlewood nor Abbott recovers in time, Brendan Doggett could be handed his much-awaited Test debut. The 31-year-old pacer recently grabbed 5 for 66 for South Australia against Tasmania, making a strong case for selection ahead of the Perth Test.