Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott both had scans for hamstring problems during New South Wales’ match against Victoria at the SCG, giving Australia a double injury concern before the Ashes begins.
After leaving the field during the first session, the couple did not reappear after lunch on day three. At first, it was verified that they were both being evaluated for an unidentified problem.
Australia skipper Pat Cummins, who has already been ruled out of the opening Test as he recovers from a back injury, stated that both men had their hamstrings scanned in the afternoon as he was speaking at a Cricket Australia [CA] partnership announcement near the SCG.
“For about an hour, something was going on there. Both were scanned,” Cummins stated. “I haven’t fully conveyed every detail. Josh seemed rather upbeat when he emerged [after the scans], so hopefully he’ll be alright. I’m not entirely sure, Sean. They’re still evaluating, I believe.
It goes without saying that a week off from the Test series is always a good idea. I therefore wanted to learn more about what was going on before pushing it too far and possibly making things worse.”
Despite appearing to be in good shape during a bowling session at the SCG on Tuesday, Cummins reaffirmed that he would not be prepared for Perth.
Despite Hazlewood’s scare, he stated that he was not worried about any more possible adjustments to Australia’s attack going into the first Test.
“We’ll wait to see how it comes out over the next 24 hours,” Cummins stated. “As I mentioned, Josh seemed very confident before he left, so hopefully there won’t be a big problem.
“I believe he wanted to have it checked out since he was a little concerned. Even though I didn’t see him for very long after he returned, I believe he was a little happier than he was before the scans.
After taking out Sam Harper, Hazlewood, who bowled brilliantly in the most recent white-ball match against India, had taken his first wicket of the morning.
With figures of 4 for 18, Abbott, who was selected as one of Australia’s backup quicks for the opening Test, tore through Victoria’s middle order.
While Abbott bowled 19 overs in the first innings and 9 in the second, Hazlewood bowled 18 overs in Victoria’s first innings and 9 in the second. However, after New South Wales was bowled out for 128 on day two after only batting for 49.5 overs, both guys bowled on all three days, giving Hazlewood, Abbott, and the other Australia and New South Wales Test fast Mitchell Starc very little time to recuperate.
Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, and Starc have also participated in the Shield game at the SCG, which is part of Australia’s probable Test attack for Perth.
The other speed bowler in the 15-man team is Brendan Doggett, a quick who has not been capped for South Australia. In Hobart, he took 5 for 66 against Tasmania.
“He’s been bowling really well the last couple of games, from what I’ve seen,” Cummins stated. “You haven’t played with or against Doggy very often. He missed the first game or two, but he’s come back pretty strongly. He’s in a great position to compete for a spot in the first Test. Having a team full of fit individuals is always pleasant, and he is undoubtedly one of those individuals.
Michael Neser would probably be at the front of the line if reinforcements were required for the first Test, but after that, Australia’s reserves would be put to the test.
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