3rd Test: Hazlewood Undergoes Scans, Future Participation Uncertain
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Brisbane, Dec 17 (NationPress) The participation of Australia’s fast bowler Josh Hazlewood in the current third Test is now questionable after he left the pitch with calf discomfort in the initial session of Day 4.
Hazlewood came onto the field later than usual at the start of the play and seemed to have difficulties during his bowling spell, rarely clocking over 131 kmph. His first delivery was a wide long hop, easily cut away by KL Rahul.
During the drinks break that followed his over, Hazlewood had an extensive conversation with Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, and physiotherapist Nick Jones before departing from the field.
Cricket Australia has confirmed Hazlewood’s injury, stating that he will undergo scans to evaluate the seriousness of the condition.
"Josh Hazlewood reported calf discomfort during this morning's warm-up. He is scheduled for scans to evaluate the injury," a CA spokesperson mentioned.
Before the third Test commenced, Australia made a single alteration to their playing eleven, with Hazlewood coming in to replace Scott Boland. Hazlewood had missed the second Test at Adelaide Oval due to a side strain.
If Hazlewood is unable to continue for the remainder of the match, Cummins will depend on Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne for pace bowling options.
As lunch approached, India stood at 167/6 in 49 overs after KL Rahul scored 84, marking his second half-century of the series. He was the sole Indian batter who appeared ready for the Australian pacers, despite being consistently tested on the outside off-stump line. His front-foot defense and skill in leaving the ball were a source of frustration for the Australian bowlers in the opening session.
However, Rahul made a misjudgment in shot selection, playing Nathan Lyon's front-foot delivery on the back foot, only to find Steve Smith, who had previously dropped Rahul on 33, at slip.
The opening session of the day saw a competitive exchange between both teams. Australia secured two vital wickets, taking down Rohit Sharma (10) and Rahul (84), while India added 116 runs to their total in the extended opening session, which included 32 overs despite a brief rain delay.
For India, Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy remain unbeaten at 41 and 7, respectively. India still needs 79 runs to avoid follow-on and is trailing Australia by 278 runs.
