Ashes 2025-26: After Pat Cummins, another pacer ruled out of first Test, Josh Hazlewood also faces injury scare

The Australians have faced yet another setback ahead of the Ashes opener against England at Perth, as pacer Sean Abbott has been ruled out of the first Test. The Cricket Australia confirmed the development that Abbott underwent a moderate grade hamstring injury during the Sheffield Shield clash, which will not allow him to be available with the squad for the opening game of the epic series.

Moreover, there is also an update on Josh Hazlewood, who narrowly survived being ruled out of the Perth encounter. He was also playing in the Sheffield Shield encounter against Victoria, and faced discomfort in his right hamstring. However, fortunately, the scans revealed that Hazlewood was clear off any serious injury, bringing relief to the Australian dugout. Abbott, however, remains ruled out of the first Test.

"Hazlewoodwill train as planned in the lead up to the first Test in Perth," a CA spokesperson said. "Abbott 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," he added.

With Cummins already ruled out and Abbott unavailable, the Australians may be forced to hand some game time to Brendan Doggett, making his Test debut at 31 years of age. Doggett has played 50 First-Class matches so far, accounting for an impressive 190 wickets at an average of 26.46. It will be interesting to see how the pacer copes up with the pressure of making Test debut on a stage like the Ashes.

Australia squad for first Test: Steven Smith (captain), Travis Head (vice-captain), Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Lyon

The first Test of the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 series is scheduled to begin on November 21 at the Optus Stadium, Perth. In Cummins' absence, the Australians will be led by star batter Steven Smith, who will return to his role as a specialist once the pacer returns. Unbeaten so far in the current World Test Championship cycle, the hosts would want to make it a memorable one, maintaining their dominance on the table and in their rivalry against The Three Lions.