Perth, Nov. 12 -- Australia suffered a setback ahead of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) opener as all-rounder Sean Abbott was ruled out of the Perth Test due to a hamstring injury, while pacer Josh Hazlewood has been cleared of any major damage after precautionary scans revealed no muscle strain.

Abbott has been ruled out of the first Test of the series due to a hamstring injury. On the other hand, Josh Hazlewood, who was also forced off the pitch after reporting tightness in his right hamstring, underwent precautionary scans, which have cleared him of muscle strain.

The duo was featuring in the ongoing Sheffield Shield season ahead of the ICC World Test Championship series opener, scheduled for November 21 in Perth, according to ...