Ashes implications as Aussie selectors rejig T20 plans

The Ashes plans of Australia’s selectors are becoming clearer with Sean Abbott excused from national Twenty20 duty so he can play a vital Sheffield Shield match.

Abbott is set to return to red-ball cricket in the fourth round of the Shield, when NSW host Victoria at the SCG in what will be an Ashes tune-up for multiple members of the Test squad.

Abbott will depart the T20 squad after three games of Australia’s five-match series against India.

Fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood will also leave the T20 squad prematurely, after two games of that series, to reset into red-ball mode and play the Shield match that begins on November 10.

The first Test between Australia and England begins on November 21, highlighting the importance of the SCG Shield showdown.

Abbott has featured in 56 white-ball games for Australia but is yet to make his Test debut despite being a perennial tourist.

The right-armer hasn’t played since splitting the webbing on his right hand during last week’s Shield match.

Abbott became the first player to be substituted out of a Shield game with a non-concussion injury and, as per Cricket Australia’s new rules, has been unable to play during a mandatory 12-day stand-down period.

Scott Boland will almost certainly replace Pat Cummins if Australia’s injured captain misses the first Ashes Test, as is fully expected.

But with speedsters Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson both out of action, Abbott could make his Test debut this summer.

Michael Neser and hamstrung Brendan Doggett loom as other options, should Australia be forced to test their pace depth.

Marnus Labuschagne, who joined Australia’s ODI squad after Cameron Green’s injury, is flying out to prepare for Queensland’s Shield clash with NSW that begins at the Gabba on Tuesday.

Labuschagne is widely expected to return to Australia’s XI for the first Ashes Test, with the only question being where he will bat in the order.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Mahli Beardman will link up with Australia’s T20 squad for the final three games of that series.

Beardman, among the most exciting pace prospects in the country, could follow the lead of David Warner in making his international debut before playing a first-class game.

Glenn Maxwell, who has recovered from a fractured wrist, and Ben Dwarshuis will also join the T20 squad mid-series.