Huge setback for Australia! Star pacer Sean Abbott ruled out of Ashes opener in Perth due to hamstring injury after taking 4/18

Australia pacer Sean Abbott has been ruled out of Ashes 2025-26 opening Test in Perth. The New South Wales pacer Abbott suffered a 'moderate grade hamstring injury' on Day 3 of Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria, as revealed in scans.

Alongside Abbott, Josh Hazlewood had limped off the field as well. However, he was cleared of muscle strain after precautionary scans. He will join the Australia squad as scheduled for Ashes opener.

"Josh Hazlewood will join the Australian squad as planned in Perth Ashes Test," a Cricket Australia media release confirmed on November 12. "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.

"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."

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Both Abbott and Hazlewood did not walk out to bat in the run chase. Steve Smith-led New South Wales lost the encounter to Victoria by a huge margin of 300 runs.

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Cricket Australia is yet to name Abbott’s replacement in the squad. Another pacer Australia have in the squad is Brendan Doggett who has picked a six-fer and fifer in previous two games. He is yet to make his Test debut.

Before getting injured, Abbott had taken four wickets for just 18 runs in nine overs in Victoria's second innings. On the other hand, Hazlewood bowled 27 overs in the game and took just one wicket.

Australia's updated first Test squad -

Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.