SYDNEY, Nov 12, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Australia suffered a double injury scare Wednesday ahead of the first Ashes Test against England with pacemen Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott both undergoing assessments, reportedly for hamstring issues.

Test spearhead Hazlewood and reserve quick Abbott both left the Sydney Cricket Ground during New South Wales's Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria.

Media reports said they were being assessed for hamstring niggles, although neither Cricket Australia nor Cricket NSW confirmed the specifics of the injury concerns.

Australia are already without injured captain Pat Cummins for at least the opening Test in Perth next week, and losing Hazlewood would be a serious blow.

Scott Boland is set to replace Cummins in the attack which also contains left-armer Mitchell Starc.

Abbott, who took 4-18 against Victoria before leaving the field, was named in Australia's 15-man squad for Perth as a replacement quick, with uncapped Brendon Doggett the other pace option.