Josh Hazlewood cleared of fitness concerns but Abbott out of Test

Josh Hazlewood cricket action

Josh Hazlewood has taken 295 Test scalps maintaining an average of 24.21 during his 76-Test career

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Hazlewood received clearance to become part of the Aussie lineup for the initial Test against England after an injury scare, however, teammate the paceman has been ruled out

Each encountered muscle problems during their match for their state team versus Victoria in the Sheffield Shield this past Wednesday

Medical examinations revealed the 34-year-old Hazlewood escaped a muscle strain. The uncapped Abbott, 33, sustained a "moderate grade" injury

Team captain Cummins is unavailable for the first Test, commencing later this month, meaning the absence of another established pace bowler such as Hazlewood might have represented a serious concern

Abbott would have been not expected to participate during the Western Australia Test, as Hazlewood prepares to team up fellow quicks Starc and Boland forming the fast bowling unit

The captain, rehabilitating from back issues, is expected to be on track to return for the second Test beginning December 4 in Brisbane

Batsman Steve Smith will lead Australia while Cummins is out

Like many of the Australia players, the bowler took part in recent matches of Sheffield Shield matches ahead of the historic rivalry

Prior to recently, he hadn't featured a first-class match with his state team for over twelve months

He felt tightness in his leg muscle during the final stages of the opposition's batting recently and left the field taking preventive measures

The two bowlers participated in batting for New South Wales' second innings during their defeat in a substantial margin

"There's seven days from the Test series - always err on precautionary measures," commented Cummins

"They needed to determine the exact situation before pushing it that could worsen the injury more severe"

"It's rare to get him chipper, therefore it was positive to witness his smile"

"He knows his body extremely well. It seemed he felt slightly anxious (and desired professional evaluation"

Abbott has won 57 appearances with the national team in ODI and T20 cricket

The yet-to-debut the pace bowler represents additional pace options among the selections, acting as backup for the primary fast bowlers

Julie Frost
Julie Frost

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle writer passionate about sharing practical advice and inspiring stories.

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