Josh Hazlewood cleared to play; hamstring injury sidelines Sean Abbott from 1st Ashes Test

Hazlewood declared fit; Abbott out of 1st Test [Source: AFP]

In a massive positive for Australia, Josh Hazlewood, after suffering from a problematic hamstring, has been cleared to play the first Ashes Test against England at Perth Stadium. Meanwhile, Sean Abbott, who also complained of hamstring issues, has been ruled out of the series opener against England. 

Josh Hazlewood likely to play 1st Test vs England; Abbott sidelined

Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott picked up hamstring injuries during New South Wales' Sheffield Shield contest against Victoria. While Hazlewood's hamstring soreness turned out to be a minor scare, scans revealed Sean Abbott's moderate-grade hamstring strain, ruling the fast bowler out of the Perth encounter. 

"He (Hazlewood) will train as planned in the lead up to the first Test in Perth," a Cricket Australia spokesperson was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au.
"He (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. 

So, as expected, Hazlewood will lead the Australian pace battery alongside Mitch Starc and Scott Boland, with Nathan Lyon and Beau Webster filling up the remaining two bowling slots. 

Australia's updated squad for 1st Ashes Test

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

Josh Hazlewood has showcased remarkable form in international cricket this year, scalping 32 wickets in just 20 innings across formats at a magnificent average of 20.34. He is definitely Australia's most potent weapon with the red cherry and can wreak havoc in the English camp with his accuracy and seam-bowling expertise in the Ashes. 

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