Josh Hazlewood Likely to Miss Remainder of Test Series Against India Due to Calf Strain
Josh Hazlewood is expected to miss the rest of the Test series against India after suffering a calf strain during warm-ups on the fourth day of the Brisbane Test. This injury means Scott Boland is likely to return to the Australian squad for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Hazlewood’s Injury Details
Hazlewood was delayed in entering the field at the start of play on Tuesday, having spent time with head coach Andrew McDonald and physio Nick Jones. When Hazlewood did bowl, he looked laboured and struggled to top 131kph, with his first ball—a wide long hop—being cut away by KL Rahul.
After this over, Hazlewood had an extended conversation with Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, and the physio before walking off the field. Cricket Australia (CA) later confirmed that Hazlewood had suffered a right-sided calf strain and would not be able to continue in the match. Scans confirmed the severity of the injury, and he is now likely to miss the remainder of the series.
Hazlewood’s Injury History
This injury is the latest in a series of setbacks for Hazlewood. Earlier in the year, he suffered a mild calf strain that kept him out of T20Is against Scotland and England. The Perth Test against India was his 10th consecutive Test, following a series of injuries and the frustrations of being left out due to conditions in the subcontinent. Overall, Hazlewood has missed 18 of Australia’s last 35 Tests since the 2021-22 Ashes.
Hazlewood expressed his frustration about his injuries in an interview between the Adelaide and Brisbane Tests, revealing that the side strain had been particularly troublesome due to its repetitive nature, despite perfect preparation for the series.
Boland’s Return to the Side
With Hazlewood sidelined, Scott Boland is expected to return to the team for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, where he achieved a remarkable 6 for 7 on debut against England in the 2021-22 Ashes. Pat Cummins had flagged the possibility of Boland’s inclusion earlier, saying it was likely given the injuries throughout the series:
“We told him it’s about preparing for the MCG because there’s a good chance we might need you.”
Boland’s return adds depth to Australia’s bowling attack, and Cummins emphasized that the focus is on preparing him for the last two Tests of the series.
Hazlewood’s Absence and Australia’s Bowling Strategy
With Hazlewood’s injury, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon will be relied upon heavily for the remainder of the Test. Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne will provide additional support. Australia is aiming for victory despite frequent rain delays in Brisbane and will now need to adjust to the absence of Hazlewood.
The follow-on remains Australia’s best chance of securing a win, but this will place extra strain on Starc and Cummins.
Key Takeaways
- Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss the rest of the Test series against India due to a calf strain.
- Scott Boland is expected to return to the squad for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
- Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon will lead the bowling attack with additional support from other players.
- Hazlewood’s injury history: 18 missed Tests since 2021-22 Ashes.
- Boland’s debut performance at MCG in the 2021-22 Ashes could inspire a return to the playing XI.
