India, Nov. 12 -- Australia's preparations for the upcoming Ashes series against England have been hit by a double injury scare, with pacemen Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott both undergoing medical assessments after leaving the field during New South Wales' Sheffield Shield match against Victoria on Wednesday.

Local media reports said the pair were being checked for hamstring issues, though neither Cricket Australia nor Cricket NSW confirmed the nature or extent of the injuries. Both players exited the Sydney Cricket Ground mid-match, sparking concern ahead of the first Ashes Test in Perth, which begins on November 21.

Australia are already without skipper Pat Cummins, who has been ruled out of the series opener due to injury, leaving th...