AUS vs IND 2024-25: Josh Hazlewood likely to miss rest of series with calf strain

Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s senior fast bowler, is expected to miss the rest of the Test series against India, which is a major setback to their ambitions of keeping up their momentum in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Scans have verified the severity of Hazlewood’s calf strain, which occurred during warm-up on the fourth day of the third Test in Brisbane.

Josh Hazlewood missed the second Test in Adelaide because of a side strain, but he returned to the playing XI shortly after his most recent injury setback.

Australia’s gamble to reinstate Hazlewood in the starting lineup seems to have backfired, as the pacer was only able to bowl one over on Day 4 at the Gabba before hobbling off the pitch. On the morning of Day 4, Hazlewood was far from his best, despite taking a vital wicket of Virat Kohli on Day 3.

In the Test match against India in Brisbane, Josh Hazlewood will not be able to play any further due to a right-sided calf issue. He was injured during this morning’s warm-up and was unable to continue after bowling one over. He is probably going to miss the rest of the Test series. “In due time, a squad replacement will be made,” a CA statement stated.

It concerns getting ready for the MCG: The Pat Cummins

Due to Hazlewood’s unavailability, Scott Boland will be able to rejoin the team for the MCG’s Boxing Day Test. In the pink-ball Test, Boland filled in for Hazlewood. He will be remembered for his valiant performance against England in 2021–22 at the same location, where he took an incredible 6 for 7. Boland’s possible comeback was already alluded to by Australia skipper Pat Cummins.

It’s about getting ready for the MCG because there’s a big chance we’ll need you,” we explained to him. Throughout a Test series, history indicates that there is always some degree of natural attrition. The good news is that he most likely played a Test earlier in the series than he may have initially believed. demonstrated that his standards remain extremely high. Trying to position him for the final two Test matches is the goal,” Cummins stated.

Two other possible possibilities are Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett. With Nathan Lyon’s spin and the occasional assistance of Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne, the onus will primarily rest on Cummins and Mitchell Starc to spearhead the attack.

Hazelwood’s injuries have kept him out of 18 of Australia’s previous 35 Test matches since the 2021–22 Ashes, with calf and side strains being the most frequent problems. Hazlewood had previously suffered a similar calf injury that kept him out of the T20Is against England and Scotland earlier this year. Speaking in between the Test matches in Adelaide and Brisbane, Hazlewood discussed his unhappiness with his side problems, pointing out how recurring they are and how difficult it is to find long-term fixes.

The onus now shifts to Cummins and Starc as Australia attempts to win the rain-soaked Brisbane Test.