Just days prior to the start of the highly-anticipated five-match Ashes series, the hosts, Australia have come across a mixed news. On Wednesday, November 12, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed an update
around their squad for the opening game, which is scheduled to be played from November 21 to 25 in Perth. The hosts, who will be led by Steven Smith, has suffered another blow.
After an injury forced pacer Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott to walk off the field during the ongoing Sheffield Shield match of New South Wales, the veteran pacer has been cleared fit, however, Abbott’s injury has ruled him out of the opening Test against England. After the two players suffered hamstring complaints, scans revealed not a serious injury for Hazlewood, but a “second grade” one for Abbott.
Josh Hazlewood cleared to play first Ashes Test; Sean Abbott ruled out
A Cricket Australia (CA) spokesperson informed, "He (Josh Hazlewood) will train as planned in the lead up to the first Test in Perth,” giving a sigh of relief in the Aussie camp. However, it was not as good news for Sean Abbott, who has been confirmed of suffering a "moderate grade" strain to his left hamstring. "He will not be available for selection for the first Test match in Perth and his return to play plan will be developed over the coming weeks," CA's spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Despite being picked as Pat Cummins’ replacement for the opening Test, Sean Abbott was unlikely to make his Test debut in Perth. But with the latest update, Scott Boland is expected to replace Cummins and will join Mitchell Starc and Hazlewood in the pace attack.
Australia’s updated squad for first Ashes Test:
Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott (unavailable for selection), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
