An unknown bolter is now in line to debut in the first Test against England next week.
Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott have limped off the SCG with suspected hamstring injuries on the eve of the Ashes.
In a major scare for Australia, who are already missing captain and pace spearhead Pat Cummins, both Test spearhead Hazlewood and reserve seamer Abbott left the field during NSW’s Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria on Wednesday.
The exact nature of the injuries is unknown, but the pair are being assessed by medical staff and Hazlewood is now in serious doubt for the first Test against England beginning next Friday in Perth.
Scott Boland was already a certainty to replace Cummins in the XI, but he could now be joined by Brendan Doggett, who is in line for a shock debut.
Hazlewood was used sparingly during Australia’s recent ODI and T20 series against India, but had looked in good touch throughout.
The 34-year-old has struggled with injury consistently over the past four years, missing three Tests last summer alone, and Wednesday’s setback is of serious concern to his long-term future.
Abbott was unlikely to play in the first Test even with the Hazlewood injury, but losing him would still be a huge blow to the Aussies, who have a dearth of pace-bowling depth beneath the big four of Cummins, Hazlewood, Boland and Mitchell Starc.
Hazlewood and Abbott had both bowled nine overs in the Shield match but neither took the field after the lunch break.
Should Hazlewood miss the Ashes opener he would have three weeks from now to recover before a possible return in the second Test.
Australia will take no risks with Hazlewood given both his injury history and importance to the team, particularly with no guarantee of Cummins returning for the second Test in Brisbane.
Neither he nor Abbott are likely to return for the rest of the Shield clash with Victoria.
And given Cricket Australia officials won’t want Mitchell Starc to shoulder too much of the bowling in the fourth innings, NSW will have to get creative to share the load.
“Buffalo’s offense is sputtering, and some fans are wondering if Brian Daboll could be the cure for what ails them.”
The Buffalo Bills (6-3) have been struggling offensively, with their most recent lackluster performance coming in a 30-13 defeat to the Miami Dolphins. Despite facing one of the league’s worst defenses, Buffalo’s receivers failed to create any separation, and the offense was unable to get anything going through the first three quarters. It’s clear that the Bills’ offensive issues are becoming a growing concern.
However, today’s Buffalo Rumblings report quashed any hopes for those Bills fans calling for a change at offensive coordinator. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Joe Brady would remain the team’s offensive coordinator through the end of the 2025 NFL season. Despite speculation that former offensive coordinator Brian Daboll could be brought back to help turn things around, McDermott swiftly dismissed the idea.
McDermott Shoots Down Daboll Return
When Daboll was fired as head coach of the New York Giants, rumors swirled about the possibility of a reunion with quarterback Josh Allen in Buffalo. McDermott wasted no time in shutting down those rumors, stating that he has confidence in Joe Brady and has no intention of bringing Daboll back to Buffalo.
“At this time, that is not something we are considering,” McDermott said when asked about the possibility of Daboll returning to Western New York.
The question remains: could Daboll have been the solution to Buffalo’s offensive struggles, or is the real issue something deeper? The Bills started the season strong but have since been cold, particularly in their loss to the Dolphins.
Dalton Kincaid’s Injury Puts More Pressure on Offense
Adding to Buffalo’s woes, tight end Dalton Kincaid, who has been one of Josh Allen’s most reliable targets this season, has been officially labeled “week-to-week” after suffering a hamstring injury in the Dolphins’ loss. Kincaid had been a standout, recording 29 catches for 448 yards and four touchdowns—leading the team in both receiving yards and touchdowns this year. His absence could further strain the already struggling offense.
As the Bills continue to deal with a variety of injuries, including to key players like Kincaid, the offense will need to find a way to regain its early-season form. While McDermott has expressed confidence in his current coaching staff, fans are left to wonder if a change in offensive philosophy or leadership might be what’s needed to reignite Buffalo’s high-powered attack.
More Updates on Bills’ Injuries and Roster Moves
As the Bills face a series of injuries, including to key offensive players, the team is also adding new faces to the practice squad. Stay tuned for updates as Buffalo looks to address its depth and find solutions to its current offensive struggles.