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Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Test against India due to a left side strain, with Scott Boland expected to replace him in the playing XI.
New Delhi: Australia’s preparations for the second Test against India have suffered a significant setback with the news that fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out due to a left-side strain. Hazlewood’s absence leaves a gap in an already disrupted Australian bowling attack, one that had been led by the experienced trio of Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc in their last 10 Tests together.
The injury comes after Australia’s heavy 295-run defeat in the first Test in Perth, making Hazlewood’s loss even more impactful as they head into the day-night Test in Adelaide. To fill the void, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett have been called up as potential replacements, but it is expected that Scott Boland will take Hazlewood’s place in the starting XI.
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Hazlewood’s absence means that Australia will have to rely on their other fast bowlers, including Cummins and Starc, alongside Boland, to perform under pressure in Adelaide. This change in the lineup presents a challenge for the team as they look to bounce back from the Perth defeat.
Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, acknowledged the magnitude of the situation but expressed confidence in his squad’s depth. “Josh’s absence is a significant blow, but we have depth in our squad. Scott Boland has been in great form, and we’re confident he can step up,” McDonald said.
Former cricketer and commentator Michael Atherton also weighed in on the impact of Hazlewood’s injury. “Hazlewood’s injury is a huge setback for Australia. Boland will need to be at his best to fill the void left by Hazlewood,” Atherton remarked.
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Meanwhile, former England captain and analyst Nasser Hussain emphasized the importance of Hazlewood in the Australian bowling attack. “Australia’s bowling attack has been their strength, but losing Hazlewood changes the dynamics. It will be interesting to see how Boland handles the pressure,” Hussain stated.
With the second Test in Adelaide now just days away, Australia will begin their preparations a day earlier than planned, aiming to adjust to Hazlewood’s absence and find the right balance for the crucial match. Boland’s ability to step up in the absence of Hazlewood will be one of the key factors determining Australia’s chances of turning the series around.
