Cricket

Abbott splits webbing on hand in latest bowling blow

By AAP Newswire

Oct 15, 2025

NSW bowler Sean Abbott has been ruled out after splitting the webbing on his bowling hand. -AAP Image

Australia's fast-bowling stocks have taken another hit, with Sean Abbott suffering a match-ending hand injury in NSW's Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria.

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Abbott split the webbing on his right hand while bowling on Wednesday afternoon at Junction Oval, and has been ruled out of the rest of the match.

In doing so, NSW quick Charlie Stobo became the first player to be activated under Cricket Australia's new injury-replacement rule.

But the main concern will be for Abbott, who is every chance of being part of Australia's Ashes squad if fit.

Bowling his 10th over of the day, Abbott fumbled a ball driven back at him by former Test player Peter Handscomb.

The seamer immediately looked down at his right hand, before walking straight from the field to seek treatment.

NSW medical staff ruled him out of the game about 30 minutes later, the 33-year-old likely to require stitches to his bowling hand.

Abbott had earlier beaten the bat several times and had Harry Dixon caught behind in an impressive opening spell, as the hosts fell to 4-38.

Jack Edwards also claimed three wickets for the Blues, before Handscomb (68no) and Mitchell Perry (48no) rescued Victoria to 5-170 at tea.

Pat Cummins' back issues have prompted several questions about Australia's fast-bowling depth.

Scott Boland is expected to come in for Cummins for the first Test in Perth on November 21, with Abbott every chance of being the next bowler in line.

Speedster Lance Morris is out for the summer, while Jhye Richardson is still fighting to return from a shoulder injury.

Brendan Doggett is also sidelined by a hamstring injury, after being part of the recent Australian squad.

Australia also have issues facing incumbent allrounder Beau Webster, the Tasmanian missing the first two rounds of the Sheffield Shield with an ankle sprain.