Australia's Ashes campaign has received a mixed bag of news ahead of the first Test against England in Perth, commencing on November 21, 2025. While star fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been cleared to play after a hamstring scare, fellow pacer Sean Abbott has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

Hazlewood and Abbott underwent scans after experiencing hamstring issues during New South Wales' Sheffield Shield match against Victoria. The scans have revealed that Hazlewood's injury is not serious, allowing him to join the squad as planned and continue his training. This comes as a major relief for the Australian side, especially with Pat Cummins already sidelined for the first Test due to a back injury.

Unfortunately, the news isn't as positive for Sean Abbott. Scans confirmed that Abbott has suffered a moderate-grade hamstring tear, which will prevent him from being available for selection for the first Test. Abbott's absence further depletes Australia's fast bowling options, increasing the pressure on the remaining members of the squad.

With Cummins and Abbott unavailable, Scott Boland is set to replace Cummins in the starting XI, and Mitchell Starc will also be a key component of the pace attack. The door now opens for Brendan Doggett, an uncapped South Australian seamer, to potentially make his Test debut in Perth. Doggett has been in impressive form, having taken 13 Sheffield Shield wickets at an average of 14.69 since returning from a minor hamstring injury. Cummins himself has praised Doggett's recent performances, acknowledging that he is "really well placed to be vying for a spot in that first Test".

The injury concerns have also highlighted the importance of Cameron Green's fitness and the potential role of Beau Webster as a second all-rounder. Green, who recently recovered from back surgery, bowled eight overs in the first innings of a Sheffield Shield game in Perth. Webster has also been in good form, taking eight wickets in Tasmania's Sheffield Shield match against South Australia.

The Australian squad for the first Ashes Test includes 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, and Beau Webster. Jake Weatherald, a Tasmanian opener, is also in contention to make his Test debut and partner with Usman Khawaja at the top of the order.

The first Ashes Test will be held at Perth Stadium, commencing on November 21. The series will then move to Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. England, who drew the previous Ashes series 2-2 on home soil in 2023, haven't won in Australia since 2010-2011.