Australia suffered a double injury scare ahead of the Ashes, with Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott leaving the field against Victoria at the SCG.
Both pacers had bowled nine overs but did not return after lunch on Wednesday afternoon. Cricket NSW later confirmed that the duo were being assessed.
According to CODE Sports, both players injured their hamstrings, though the nature and severity of the injuries are yet to be confirmed.
Hazlewood, 34, has struggled with recurring injuries over the past four years, missing three Tests last summer alone. The latest setback raises concerns about his long-term fitness.
Australian captain Pat Cummins has already been ruled out of the first Test against England due to a back problem, and Hazlewood’s absence would further weaken the hosts’ pace attack.
Scott Boland is expected to replace Cummins in the XI, but if Hazlewood is also unavailable, Brendan Doggett could be in line for a surprise debut.
If Hazlewood misses the Ashes opener, he will have about three weeks to recover before a potential return in the second Test.
Earlier on day three, Hazlewood dismissed Sam Harper to claim his first wicket of the morning, while Abbott ripped through Victoria’s middle order to finish with figures of 4/18.
Hazlewood bowled 18 overs in Victoria’s first innings and nine in the second, while Abbott delivered 19 and nine overs, respectively. Both have bowled on all three days after New South Wales were dismissed for 128 in just 49.5 overs on day two, keeping them heavily involved throughout the match.
–IANS
