Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was taken to the hospital for scans due to a potential hamstring injury during a match at Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday. Fortunately, he was cleared of any strain and is set to travel to Perth for the first Ashes Test next week.
Both Hazlewood and Sean Abbott, who joined the Test squad as a backup pace option, underwent scans after playing for New South Wales against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield match.
“Hazlewood left the field towards the end of Victoria’s innings at the SCG, complaining of tightness in his right hamstring. Precautionary scans showed no muscle strain,” Cricket Australia reported.
“He will proceed to Perth to join the Australian squad and will train as scheduled before the first Test,” the statement confirmed.
With captain Pat Cummins sidelined due to a back injury, Australia is likely to field Hazlewood alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland as their pace lineup.
Cricket Australia also confirmed that Abbott sustained a “moderate-grade hamstring” injury.
“Abbott will not be available for the first Test in Perth, and his recovery plan will be devised over the next few weeks,” the statement added.
Hazlewood, who had figures of 1-22 in nine overs, did not bat and was noticeably limping when greeting other players after Victoria’s victory.
Steve Smith, set to lead Australia in Cummins’ absence in Perth, admitted it was a tense afternoon.
“Thankfully, it was just tightness for Hazlewood, and he’s fine,” Smith stated.
“I was thinking, ‘Should we rest Starc completely?’ It’s tough when playing for your state while considering next week’s matches.
“I really hoped Starc wouldn’t get injured. I told Boland, ‘You can bowl one spell and be done,'” Smith remarked about Starc and Boland, representing New South Wales and Victoria.
The first Test against England kicks off at Perth Stadium on November 21, followed by matches in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney around the New Year.
