November 30, 2024: Australia’s star pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the upcoming Adelaide Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to a low-grade side strain.
Hazlewood, who has been a key figure in Australia’s bowling attack, will remain with the squad in Adelaide to recover, but will not feature in the second Test.
To fill Hazlewood’s spot in the squad, Australia has called up Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett, both of whom are yet to make their Test debuts. However, Scott Boland is expected to replace Hazlewood in the playing XI for the day-night Test, adding further depth to the Australian pace attack.
Hazlewood, 33, has been a reliable performer for Australia since making his Test debut in 2014 against India. He has accumulated 278 Test wickets from 71 matches at an economy rate of 2.77, and has been particularly effective against India, with 56 wickets in 16 Tests at an economy rate of 2.48. His absence is a blow to the Australian team, but with the depth of talent in their fast-bowling ranks, they will still be confident of performing well in the second Test.
As Australia prepares for the second Test, the team will be hoping for Hazlewood’s swift recovery, while Abbott, Doggett, and Boland will be eager to step up in his absence and continue Australia’s strong tradition of fast bowling.
