Ashes 2025-26: Josh Hazlewood escapes major concern, setback for Sean Abbott

But the news isn’t as good for Sean Abbott — who like Hazlewood left the field with a hamstring concern — after scans reveal a moderate grade injury.

Both Hazlewood and Abbott had bowled nine overs for NSW before they were rushed for scans.

The blistering form Hazlewood is in, coincided with Australia taking on England next Friday in the first Ashes Test without star captain Pat Cummins, prompted major concern for his health.

Neither of Hazlewood or Abbott batted as Victoria claimed victory on the cusp of stumps on day three.

If Hazlewood is to be ruled out of the Test side once he lands in Perth, it will all but certainly mean a debut for South Australian seamer Brendan Doggett.

Beneath the enormity of Hazlewood and Abbott’s injuries is how remarkable Victoria has been this Sheffield Shield season.

The Vics, against a side featuring Hazlewood, Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith and Sam Konstas, won by 300 runs inside three days of cricket.

Chris Rogers’ men have won their opening four matches and have one foot in the Shield final.

Sam Elliott, after five wickets in the first innings, took 3-24 in the second and was only brought into the squad for a rested Mitch Perry.

In Tasmania, South Australia claimed an unlikely victory after completing a tricky fourth-innings run chase.

Travis Head again failed and South Australia was 4-62 and 5-88b when it lost Nathan McSweeney and Alex Carey respectively.

Liam Scott (53), Ben Manenti (49no) and Nathan McAndrew (14no) were the unlikely heroes with the bat, steering SA to a three-wicket win.

Beau Webster didn’t lead Tassie to victory but he put his hand up with the ball again, taking 3-73 which included the key wickets of Head, Carey and Scott.

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