Sean Abbott Ruled Out of 1st Ashes Test in Perth With Hamstring Injury

Australia will suffer an early setback ahead of the Perth Ashes Test as fast bowler Sean Abbott has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Star Australian pacer Sean Abbott has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test in Perth due to a moderate-grade hamstring injury. The opening Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series will be played at Optus Stadium from November 21 to 25. Abbott sustained the injury while representing New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield match against Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

His absence is a setback for Australia, which named him in the squad for the Ashes opener. In the same match, Josh Hazlewood briefly left the field after experiencing tightness in his right hamstring. However, scans cleared him of any serious issue, and he is expected to train normally ahead of the Perth Test.

Cricket Australia confirmed that Hazlewood will join the squad as planned, while Abbott’s recovery plan will be finalised in the coming weeks.

“Josh Hazlewood will join the Australian squad as planned in the Perth Ashes Test. Hazlewood left the field late in Victoria’s innings at the SCG today, reporting tightness in his right hamstring. He underwent precautionary scans which have cleared him of muscle strain. He will train as planned in the lead-up to the first Test in Perth,” Cricket Australia release read.

“Sean Abbott also left the field, having reported left hamstring soreness. Scans confirmed a moderate-grade hamstring injury. 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,” it added.

Doggett in Line for Debut if Hazlewood Misses Perth Test

If Josh Hazlewood does not play in the first Ashes Test, Brendan Doggett is likely to make his Test debut for Australia in Perth. The South Australian pacer has impressed with consistent performances in recent Sheffield Shield matches after missing the opening rounds.

Notably, Pat Cummins, who is unavailable for the Perth Test, has acknowledged Doggett’s strong form leading into the series. Cummins continues his recovery and is targeting a return for the second Test at The Gabba from December 4 to 8.