Abbott’s absence adds to Australia’s injury woes ahead of the much-anticipated opener. The hosts will also be without the services of regular captain Pat Cummins, who had earlier been ruled out of the squad for the Perth Test.
Cummins, who was in attendance during the Sheffield Shield fixture, conceded relief after observing Hazlewood from close quarters at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
“Joshy was pretty confident when he walked out, so hopefully shouldn’t be too much of an issue,” he was quoted by cricket.com.au.
“(Josh) knows his body really well. I think he was a little bit worried, wanted to get it checked out. I only saw him briefly, but he was a bit happier afterwards.”
