Sydney Sixers fast bowler Sean Abbott along with Josh Hazlewood have both gone in for scans after suffering hamstring issues during NSW’s clash with Victoria in the Sheffield Shield.
Abbott and Hazlewood both didn’t return after lunch on day three of the Shield game at the SCG.
If either or both are ruled out, it’s likely Cricket Australia selectors would look to bring in another fast bowler into the squad, to add to Brendan Doggett. That list would likely be headlined by Brisbane Heat’s Michael Neser or Melbourne Renegades’ Fergus O’Neill.
Neser will be a popular Round 1 SuperCoach pick due to his price, role and the Heat’s Round 2 double.
Australia Test captain Pat Cummins spoke to media and said: “They both got scans. Haven’t 100% got across all the details.
“I think Josh, he was pretty chipper when he got out [of the scans], so hopefully he should be fine.
“Sean, I’m not so sure about. I think they are still assessing. Obviously a week away from the Test series kind of always err on the side of caution.”
Cummins added: “We’ll wait to see how it comes out over the next 24 hours. As I said, I think Josh is pretty confident when he walked out, so hopefully shouldn’t make too much of an issue.
“I think he was a little bit worried, wanting to get it checked out. When he got back, again I only saw him briefly, but I think he was a bit happier afterwards than he was going into the scans.”
Renegades recruit Will Salzmann was already ruled out of the Shield game on day one with a hamstring injury, replaced by Ryan Hicks.
