Josh Hazlewood Faces Fresh Injury Blow
Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood is set to miss the remainder of the Test series against India after suffering a calf strain during warm-ups on Day 4 of the Brisbane Test. This injury comes as a big setback for Hazlewood, who had just returned to the side following a previous side strain.
Hazlewood managed to bowl only one over on the fourth day before walking off the field due to discomfort. The news was confirmed after scans revealed the severity of his calf injury.
What Happened to Hazlewood?
- Hazlewood felt tightness in his calf during the morning warm-ups at the Gabba.
- He tried to push through and bowled a labored over, struggling to hit his usual pace, barely crossing 130 kph.
- During the drinks break, discussions with captain Pat Cummins, senior player Steve Smith, and the team physio resulted in Hazlewood leaving the field.
- Scans later confirmed a calf strain, ruling him out for the rest of the series.
Assistant coach Daniel Vettori said, “He’s pretty despondent. He put in so much effort after recovering from his side strain, so to get injured again is really tough for him.”
Who Could Replace Hazlewood?
With Hazlewood out, Australia will need a reliable replacement. Here are the top contenders:
- Scott Boland
- Boland is the frontrunner to step in.
- The Boxing Day Test at the MCG is his ideal hunting ground, where he famously took 6 for 7 against England on debut in 2021.
- Captain Cummins had earlier hinted at Boland’s potential return, saying, “Prepare for the MCG; there’s always natural attrition in a Test series.”
- Brendan Doggett or Sean Abbott
- Both bowlers were included in the squad earlier as cover for Hazlewood.
- Either could be called up again depending on fitness and conditions.
- Lance Morris or Jhye Richardson
- Both are still working their way back to red-ball cricket after injuries.
- With the domestic focus shifting to the BBL, they may not be match-ready for Test duties.
Hazlewood’s Injury Woes Continue
This latest setback adds to Hazlewood’s growing list of injuries in recent years. Here’s a quick look at his injury struggles:
- Missed 18 out of 35 Tests for Australia since the 2021-22 Ashes.
- A similar calf strain earlier this year ruled him out of T20Is against Scotland and England.
- Hazlewood’s comeback in the Perth Test against India was his 10th consecutive Test, marking a return to form before this new injury.
Impact on Australia’s Bowling Attack
With Hazlewood ruled out, the workload now falls on senior pacers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Here’s what it means for Australia:
- Bowling Depth Tested: With frequent rain delays in Brisbane, Australia will need their remaining bowlers to shoulder the burden.
- Boland’s Big Moment: Boland’s consistent performances as a backup seamer make him a natural replacement.
What’s Next for Hazlewood?
Hazlewood’s recovery timeline suggests he could return for the following fixtures:
- Sri Lanka Tour: Australia’s next Test assignment in January. However, spin-friendly pitches might limit his opportunities.
- World Test Championship Final: If Australia qualifies, the WTC final in June could see Hazlewood make his comeback.
- West Indies Tour: Australia’s three-Test series against the West Indies later in June will be a critical opportunity for Hazlewood to re-establish himself.
Final Thoughts
Josh Hazlewood’s absence is a massive blow for Australia, but it opens up opportunities for other seamers like Scott Boland to prove their mettle. As the Test series against India heats up, all eyes will now be on Cummins, Starc, and Boland to carry the attack forward.
FAQs: Josh Hazlewood Injury Update
Q1: What happened to Josh Hazlewood?
A: Josh Hazlewood suffered a calf strain during warm-ups on Day 4 of the Brisbane Test against India.
Q2: Who is likely to replace Hazlewood?
A: Scott Boland is the top choice to replace Hazlewood for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Q3: When will Hazlewood return?
A: Hazlewood may return for Australia’s Sri Lanka tour in January, depending on his recovery timeline.
Q4: How many Tests has Hazlewood missed recently?
A: Hazlewood has missed 18 out of Australia’s last 35 Tests due to injuries since the 2021-22 Ashes series.