The thrilling Ashes series is at the cusp of starting, as Australia hosts England on the fierce wicket of Perth from November 21.
It is expected to be among the most well-poised Test series between the arch-rivals, as a rather depleted host tries to fill the gaps against a formidable touring England, who will look to regain the urn.
Before the Ashes juggernaut gets rolling, it is already confirmed that Pat Cummins will miss the opener, with Steve Smith set to lead the Aussies.
Adding to their worries, another prime bowler, Josh Hazlewood and backup pacer Sean Abbott have also potentially picked up injuries, with under 10 days to go for the first Test.
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Injury scare for Australia: Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott leave the field for NSW
The New South Wales bowlers Hazlewood and Abbott were in the Sheffield Shield round 4 action against Victoria when they were seen leaving the field during the morning session on Day 3.
Both bowlers were out of the field for a considerable amount of time and also did not return after lunch. As things stand, the nature of both injuries is unknown, but with Cummins out of the first Test, Australia be hoping for Hazlewood's availability for the match.
With Victoria declaring the second innings, Hazlewood finished the match with 0/54 (18) and 1/22 (9). On the other hand, Abbott looked in good rhythm for his 1/75(19) and 4/18 (9).
How did Australia's Ashes bowling attack perform in Sheffield Shield round 4?
Other bowlers from the Ashes squad, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, were also in action for NSW and scalped a first innings four-fer each, conceding 91(18) and 82(29.1), respectively.
After the first innings, Victoria's Scott Boland also looked in form for his 2/27(15).
In another match featuring the Ashes players, South Australia pacer Brendan Doggett picked a 5/66 (19.2) against Tasmania in Hobart to give a good audition for the opening Test. Beau Webster finished with 5/50 (50) and 3/73 (11.5) against South Australia.
Cameron Green finished the first innings, picking 1/13 in his economical 8 overs for Western Australia against Queensland.