Injury fears for Hazlewood, Abbott ahead of Ashes opener

Australia are sweating on injury assessments on Test star Josh Hazlewood and reserve paceman Sean Abbott after a dramatic morning at the SCG on Wednesday.

Hazlewood and Abbott left the field during Victoria’s second innings, having starred in NSW’s day-three revival with the ball, with Abbott taking four wickets in the morning session.

NSW Cricket officials are yet to confirm the nature or extent of either injury, only that the quicks are being assessed at a nearby physio.

With skipper Pat Cummins already sidelined for at least the first Ashes Test due to a back issue, Australia can ill afford to lose another frontline paceman before next Friday’s Test against England in Perth.

Hazlewood missed three Tests last summer due to ongoing side strain issues, while the uncapped Abbott has slowly but surely risen up the fast bowling pecking order in recent years.

Neither player appeared to show discomfort while bowling on Wednesday morning, with Abbott taking three wickets in six balls early in the day to trigger a Victoria collapse.

Hazlewood also impressed in his first spell of the day with short-pitched offerings before bouncing out Sam Harper, caught by Abbott at deep square leg.

More to come.