Josh Hazlewood will miss the rest of the Test series against India – it’s the one thing Aussie cricket fans never wanted to hear. The fast bowler was severly slowed from a side strain, picking up a calf strain in warm-ups on Day 4 at the Gabba.
Hazlewood bowled just one over in Brisbane and things ended like that. He was off-kilter, out of rhythm, and was soon off the field permanently. This injury was later confirmed by scans and the entire team and supporters were devastated.
“Josh is kind of depressed,” assistant coach Daniel Vettori acknowledged. “He gave it a real shot this morning but it wasn’t going to happen. Back strong after a side strain and then it goes wrong again – it’s awful.”
If they lose Hazlewood, the nation’s best and most reliable bowler, then it’s a huge loss for Australia. But it’s not all doom and gloom – in comes Scott Boland. Boland who made everyone smile with his record-setting debut at the MCG two years ago (remember that dandy 6 for 7 against England? ), should feature in the Boxing Day Test.
“He’s been a little waiting around for it,” skipper Pat Cummins said. “We told him stay alert for the MCG because history shows you never want the depth in a series. ‘He’s proven himself again and again. We believe him 100%.”
And not only Boland. There’s also Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott on the roll, so there’s plenty for selectors to choose from. But if we’re being honest, Boland just looks like the guy to go with because he can step up when the dust settles.
With Hazlewood gone, the pressure on Cummins and Starc rises. Both bowlers played extra hours in Brisbane, pounding away at the Indian batting order amid rain delays and now this injury setback. Nevertheless, Vettori reassured everyone that the team is taking on the extra load quite well.
“They didn’t hesitate to force the follow-on with him down a bowler. The boys are prepared for it – that’s the kind of mental toughness this bunch has,” Vettori said.
For Hazlewood, it’s another bump in the road after an abysmal last couple of years when injuries have threatened to overwhelm his proven ability. He’s sat out 18 of Australia’s 35 Test matches since the start of 2021, which isn’t quite comfortable for fans or the bowler.
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Not only is the Aussie camp shedding a bowler of high calibre, they’re losing experience, grit and an all-rounder. But there is opportunity in adversity, and it could well be the moment that Boland or someone else finds their way into the Test side.
Now, all eyes are on the Boxing Day Test.
Will the Aussies compensate for Hazlewood and keep the grind against the formidable Indian side? I will say this series has never been more interesting. Stay tuned!
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