Josh Hazlewood has been cleared of a hamstring strain, easing concerns over his availability for the first Ashes Test against England starting November 21 in Perth. The fast bowler underwent scans after feeling tightness while bowling for New South Wales against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield.
Hazlewood is expected to fly to Perth and train as normal, according to Cricket Australia officials. Fellow Test squad member Sean Abbott also had scans after experiencing tightness, with his injury described as 'moderate-grade', casting doubt on his chances of debuting this summer.
Injured Australian captain Pat Cummins, who attended the match, said Hazlewood was confident about his condition. 'Joshy was pretty confident when he walked out, so hopefully shouldn't be too much of an issue,' Cummins said. 'Sean I'm not so sure about.'
Australia is already without Cummins for at least the series opener, with Scott Boland expected to replace him. If Hazlewood were ruled out, Brendan Doggett would likely be called in to debut, having taken two five-wicket hauls for South Australia this season.
Abbott's injury could increase the importance of Cameron Green's fitness for the first Test and affect whether Beau Webster remains in the side as a second all-rounder. Selectors will weigh up options including playing Webster as an extra bowling option or going with Jake Weatherald as a specialist opener.
