Sean Abbott Ruled Out of First Ashes Test: Josh Hazlewood Cleared Fit

Samira Vishwas

Tezzbuzz|12-11-2025

The 33-year-old Sean Abbott has been ruled out of the first test of the Ashes 2025 due to a hamstring injury, while Josh Hazlewood has been cleared of his injury.

Earlier, Pat Cummins revealed that the duo had gone for scans after injuries on day three of the Sheffield Shield clash between New South Wales and Victoria.

With Pat Cummins having been ruled out due to back issues, Mitchell Starc, along with Scott Boland, will lead Australia’s pace attack.

A Cricket Australia Spokesperson confirmed Hazlewood’s availability, saying, “He will train as planned in the lead-up to the first Test in Perth.”

Meanwhile, Sean Abbott has been ruled out due to a moderate-grade left hamstring strain, ruling him out of contention.

“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 added.

Pat Cummins, who spoke at an event at the SCG, was optimistic about Hazlewood’s recovery.

“Joshy was pretty confident when he walked out, so hopefully it shouldn’t be too much of an issue,” the skipper said. “He knows his body really well and wanted to get it checked out. He looked a lot happier afterwards.”

Sean Abbott (image: X)

Abbott’s injury has opened the door for South Australian seamer Brendan Doggett to make his test debut during the Perth test, potentially.

The 31-year-old has taken 13 Sheffield Shield wickets at 14.69 since returning from a minor hamstring injury. Doggett picked up two five-wicket hauls for South Australia.

“He’s really well placed to vie for a spot in the first Test,” Cummins said. “It’s great to have a squad full of players in form, and he’s certainly one of them.”

Speaking on his fitness, Pat Cummins revealed he bowled at 90 per cent intensity during a net session on Tuesday and is targeting a return for the second test at the Gabba on December 04.

“We’re building toward the Gabba,” he said. “It’s a quick turnaround, but we’ll give it a good shot.”

With Hazlewood cleared, Abbott sidelined, and Cummins missing the first test, Australia’s pace attack will likely undergo a major change.

As per the Ashes 2025 schedule, the first match will be played between November 21 and 25 at Perth StadiumPerth.