James Anderson: England's Joe Root has a 'point to prove' in the Ashes
James Anderson has suggested that Joe Root enters the upcoming Ashes series with a "point to prove", even as he confidently backs England's premier batter to rise to the moment.
Josh Hazlewood gets greenlight for first Ashes Test after injury scare, Sean Abbott out
Both players were named in the Aussies initial 15-man squad for the opening Ashes match in Perth but had to leave the Sydney Cricket Ground for assessments during New South Wales clash with Victoria in the Sheffield Shield on Wednesday.
"Hazlewood left the field late in Victoria's innings at the SCG today reporting tightness in his right hamstring," said Cricket Australia in a statement.
"He underwent precautionary scans which have cleared him of muscle strain. He will train as planned in the lead up to the first Test in Perth."
However, they also confirmed that Sean Abbott will miss the fixture through injury.
"Sean Abbott also left the field having reported left hamstring soreness. Scans confirmed a moderate grade hamstring injury," explained Aussie cricket's governing body.
"He will not be available for selection for the first Test match in Perth and his return to play plan will be developed over the coming weeks."
The Australians have already replaced injured captain Pat Cummins with Scott Boland for the first test and Abbott's injury could open a spot for paceman Brendan Doggett.
First Ashes test starts on November 21.
England's Ben Stokes relishes 'biggest series' of his captaincy ahead of Ashes opener
England all-rounder Ben Stokes has labelled the upcoming Ashes series against Australia as the 'biggest series' of his tenure as Three Lions skipper.
Australia captain Steve Smith unfazed by Ashes pressure
Steve Smith struck a notably relaxed tone as he unveiled Australia's line-up for the opening match of what will be his ninth - and potentially final - Ashes series.
Brendan Doggett confident in his own game as Test debut looms in Ashes opener
Brendan Doggett has expressed confidence in his own game as he prepares for a potential Test debut for Australia in the Ashes opener against England in Perth on 21 November.