Australia’s pace bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the upcoming second Test against India in Adelaide due to a ‘low grade left side injury,’ Cricket Australia confirmed. This will be the first time Hazlewood misses a home Test against India, and Australia will be without one of their key pace quartet (Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon) in a home Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) match since the Sydney Test of 2015. This marks a significant change for the hosts in the ongoing series, with Australia trailing 0-1 in the five-match series.
Hazlewood’s Absence and Impact
Josh Hazlewood’s absence is a significant blow for Australia, especially considering his match-winning performance in Adelaide in 2021. In the pink-ball, day-night Test, Hazlewood was instrumental, picking up 5 for 8 in just 5 overs in India’s historic collapse to 36 for 9. His recent performances have been strong as well, having taken 4 for 29 in the first innings of the Perth Test, where India was bowled out for 150.
Hazlewood’s absence will leave a hole in Australia’s pace attack, and it is expected that Scott Boland will replace him in the squad. Boland was part of the original squad and will be seen in action during the two-day warm-up game for the Prime Minister’s XI starting on November 30. His last Test appearance was during the 2023 Ashes series in Leeds.
The Uncapped Pacers: Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett
In light of Hazlewood’s injury, two uncapped pacers, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett, have been added to the Australian squad. Both pacers have impressed in the Sheffield Shield.
Sean Abbott: A regular on the fringes of the Test squad, Abbott has 261 first-class wickets and recently picked up 4 for 71 against Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield.
Brendan Doggett: Doggett has been in excellent form, including a five-wicket haul against Western Australia and a career-best 6 for 15 in an A game against India A.
Both Abbott and Doggett have previously been in Test squads without making an appearance, but they are now being given an opportunity with Hazlewood out.
What’s Next for Australia?
Australia will need to fill Hazlewood’s void carefully, and Scott Boland is likely to be the man to step into the starting XI. This change brings an added dimension to the series, especially with the high stakes of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The absence of Hazlewood is a setback for Australia, but the team’s depth in pace bowling will ensure a competitive challenge against India.
Lotus365 Match Prediction
Given the current circumstances, Australia’s pacers, even with Hazlewood’s absence, remain formidable. The upcoming Test in Adelaide will be crucial for Australia to level the series. However, with India looking strong and Australia’s potential bowling changes, this Test promises to be a thrilling encounter. Check out Lotus365 Match Prediction for more in-depth predictions and insights on the upcoming match.
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