Australia’s bowling attack has been dealt a significant blow ahead of the second Test against India, as Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out with a low-grade left side strain. The injury, which occurred during the first Test in Perth, has sidelined Hazlewood for the upcoming day-night fixture in Adelaide. Hazlewood will remain with the squad in Adelaide to focus on his recovery, but he will not be available for selection.
Scott Boland Set to Replace Hazlewood
With Hazlewood unavailable, Scott Boland is the likely candidate to replace him in the playing XI. This will mark Boland’s first Test since he stepped in for Hazlewood during the Ashes match at Headingley last year. Boland boasts a stellar home record, with 28 wickets at an impressive average of 12.21 in six Test matches. His inclusion would strengthen Australia’s seam attack as they look to bounce back from a heavy 295-run loss to India in Perth.
Abbott and Doggett Join the Squad
Although Boland is expected to take Hazlewood’s spot in the XI, Australia’s selectors have added two uncapped fast bowlers to the squad as cover—Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett. Abbott, a regular in Australia’s white-ball squads, has long been considered unlucky not to have earned a Test cap. Meanwhile, Doggett’s inclusion is a rapid return to national contention, having recently taken a career-best 6 for 15 for Australia A against India A in Mackay.
Hazlewood’s Absence Marks Another Injury Setback
Hazlewood’s injury comes as another frustrating setback in what has been a challenging period for the fast bowler. This will be the first Test he has missed since last year’s Ashes at Headingley, where he was sidelined due to injury. Between December 2021 and June 2023, Hazlewood played just four Tests due to a series of injury issues, including two separate side strains.
Also read: Row Erupts in English Cricket Over New ECB No-Objection Certificate (NOC) Policy
Despite this, Hazlewood was in excellent form during the opening Test against India, claiming 5 for 57 in a solid performance across 34 overs, though he failed to take a wicket after tea on the second day.
Concerns Over Batting and Fitness Ahead of Second Test
Hazlewood’s absence adds to the uncertainty surrounding Australia ahead of the second Test. The team is also dealing with concerns over their batting lineup, particularly Marnus Labuschagne, who failed to make an impact in Perth. Labuschagne scored just 2 runs off 52 balls in the first innings, and his form will be under scrutiny as Australia looks to recover from a difficult defeat.
Also read: Mandla Mashimbyi Appointed South Africa Women’s Head Coach
Australia’s selectors have also been keeping a close eye on Mitchell Marsh, who experienced soreness following the first Test. The uncapped allrounder Beau Webster has been added to the squad as a potential replacement should Marsh fail to recover in time for Adelaide. Meanwhile, Josh Inglis remains in the squad as a spare batter but could be overtaken by Webster if Marsh is ruled out.
Looking Ahead: Training and Rain Challenges
Australia will begin training in Adelaide a day earlier than originally scheduled, preparing for what will be a crucial second Test. India, meanwhile, are due to play a two-day match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, but heavy rain could disrupt those plans. Boland is part of the PM’s XI squad to get some overs under his belt after limited first-class appearances this season.
Also read: Former South African Cricketers Arrested in Match-Fixing Scandal
With Hazlewood sidelined and concerns over several players’ fitness, Australia will need to regroup quickly to take on India and recover from their heavy loss in Perth. The second Test in Adelaide, set to begin on December 1, will be crucial for both teams as they look to seize momentum in the ongoing series.
