hat was meant to be a warm-up has turned into a worry for Australia.
The plan was simple — one final tune-up before the Ashes. But instead of boosting confidence, the Sheffield Shield match has handed Australia a fresh headache. Fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott, both part of the Ashes squad, suffered injuries during the game.
While Abbott was unlikely to feature in the first Test, his injury isn’t a major concern. Hazlewood’s situation, however, is more alarming. With Pat Cummins already sidelined, Australia were banking heavily on him to lead the bowling attack — and now, that reliance hangs in the balance.
Both Hazlewood and Abbott failed to take the field after lunch on the third day of New South Wales’ match against Victoria in Sydney. The exact nature of their injuries remains unclear, but reports suggest both have been sent for scans.
New South Wales’ pace unit essentially mirrors Australia’s own — alongside Hazlewood and Abbott, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon are also featuring in the match. Hazlewood bowled 18 overs in the first innings, Abbott 19. In the second innings, both delivered 9 overs each before leaving the field. Hazlewood claimed one wicket, while Abbott took four.
Pat Cummins, though out injured, has been with the New South Wales squad and said Hazlewood “seemed in good spirits.” Even so, with the Ashes set to begin on November 21, Australia can’t help but worry about the fitness of their key strike bowler.
