### Australia Faces Injury Concerns Ahead of Ashes Opener Australia's cricket team is grappling with injury concerns just days before the highly anticipated Ashes series against England. The situation has been exacerbated by the absence of skipper Pat Cummins due to a back injury, raising questions about the team's pace attack. Fortunately, pacer Josh Hazlewood has been cleared of a hamstring injury scare, while fellow bowler Sean Abbott has been ruled out of the first Test due to a moderate hamstring strain. This news comes as Australia prepares for the opening Test in Perth on November 21, 2025. ### Injury Status and Team Adjustments 1. **Josh Hazlewood's Condition**: - Hazlewood underwent precautionary scans after experiencing tightness in his right hamstring during a domestic match. The scans cleared him of any serious injury, allowing him to continue preparations for the Ashes opener [https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/hazlewood-gets-all-clear-after-injury-scare/20251112.htm]. 2. **Sean Abbott's Injury**: - In contrast, Sean Abbott reported left hamstring soreness and was diagnosed with a moderate grade hamstring injury, ruling him out of the first Test. His recovery plan will be developed over the coming weeks [https://24newshd.tv/12-Nov-2025/australia-s-hazlewood-injury-scare-ahead-first-ashes-test]. 3. **Impact on Team Composition**: - With Cummins already sidelined, Hazlewood's clearance is a relief for the Australian camp. The pace attack is expected to feature Hazlewood alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, with uncapped Brendan Doggett as a backup option [https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/cricket/2025/11/12/australia-fret-over-josh-hazlewood-injury-ahead-of-first-ashes-test]. ### Supporting Evidence of Injury Assessments - **Injury Reports**: - Hazlewood's injury scare was reported across multiple sources, confirming that he was cleared of a strain after scans [https://www.sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/josh-hazlewood-sean-abbott-hamstring-injury-scare-assesments-australia-vs-england-ashes-test-cricket-news/article70269965.ece]. - Abbott's condition was also confirmed, with Cricket Australia stating he would not be available for selection due to his injury [https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/australia-issue-update-on-hazlewood-abbott-injuries]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Hazlewood Cleared**: Josh Hazlewood has been cleared of a hamstring injury and will participate in the first Ashes Test, providing a boost to Australia's bowling lineup. 2. **Abbott Ruled Out**: Sean Abbott has been ruled out due to a moderate hamstring strain, necessitating adjustments to the squad. 3. **Team Strategy**: With Cummins already out, the Australian team will rely on Hazlewood, Starc, and Boland to lead the pace attack in the upcoming Test. In conclusion, while Australia has faced significant injury challenges leading up to the Ashes, the clearance of Hazlewood is a positive development. However, the absence of Abbott will require strategic adjustments as the team aims to maintain its competitive edge against England [https://www.cricketaddictor.com/cricket-news/australias-biggest-asset-vs-england-in-the-ashes-falls-289449].