Josh Hazelwood Ruled Out Of 2nd Test Of BGT

A blow has been dealt to Australia’s pace bowling with news that Josh Hazlewood will miss the second Test against India with a side strain. Hazlewood was an integral part of the playing XI during the first Test against New Zealand in Perth, having bowled 34 overs and claimed five wickets for 57 runs. Hazlewood will miss out on the Pink Ball Test to be played in Adelaide but will still be with the squad.

Josh Hazlewood’s injury and who can replace him?

 

Josh Hazlewood’s absence marks a significant change in Australia’s bowling lineup, as the 33-year-old had been part of a historic trio with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, which had featured in every Test since the 2023 Ashes series. His injury means Australia will need to turn to alternatives for the Pink Ball Test at Adelaide Oval.

Even while Australia inducted uncapped fast bowling pair, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett, it looked to Scott Boland in a big way to substitute the void Hazlewood created in the playing eleven. Boland has managed to replace Hazlewood for the Test match 2023 Ashes head at Headingley by showcasing how an impact was left, only within home conditions.

He has taken 28 wickets in just six Test matches in Australia at an average of 12.21. Considering Boland’s record in domestic cricket, especially with the Pink Ball, he is one of the favorites for the Adelaide Test.

 

Abbott has been a regular in the limited-overs squads for Australia but hasn’t made a Test debut yet, but he is highly praised for his ability to be both handy with bat and ball. Doggett, a member of the side that toured the UAE in 2018, has impressed lately. Most notably, he took six for 15 against India A at Mackay in the most recent matches of the Australia A team.

Whereas Abbott and Doggett are given as capable deputies, Boland’s experience with form at home makes him most likely to be the one to fill the shoes alongside Josh Hazlewood and pair with Starc and Cummins.

The change in the fast bowling bucket is complemented by other changes in the Australian squad with the addition of Bo Webster. There has also been a frisson of doubt surrounding Mitchell Marsh’s fitness. Marsh has been struggling with injuries, and though no word has been officially confirmed of his unavailability, the team has added Webster to provide adequate backup in case Marsh cannot play.

Wicket-keeper batsman Josh Inglis is also traveling with the team as another batting option that can be deployed in case of a need to strengthen the middle order during the match.

 

Scott Boland, besides also being in contention, might play for the Australian Prime Minister’s XI as scheduled against India in a two-day match. Though expected, rain may yet deny his chance to play through two complete days. The warm-up outcome may also say quite a bit about the bowler of Australia’s preparedness entering the second Test.

With Josh Hazlewood out of the way, the onus will lie on the other pacemen of Australia, including Cummins, Starc, and Boland, as both teams are expected to face off in another match of utmost importance in the series so far.

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