BGT 2024-25: Hazlewood Indicates Critical 24 Hours for Brisbane Test Availability
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Adelaide, Dec 9 (NationPress) Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood stated that the next 24 hours are pivotal in assessing his readiness for the vital Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane, set to begin on December 14.
Hazlewood missed Australia’s day-night Test in Adelaide, which the home team won by ten wickets to level the five-match series 1-1, due to a side strain. On Monday, Hazlewood underwent two bowling sessions at Adelaide Oval, where the Australian team’s fitness experts evaluated his condition for participation in the third match at The Gabba.
"I believe it will depend on how I feel in the 24 hours that follow. It’s just that repetitive action and obviously, two spells make a significant difference. Cooling down almost completely and then going again on the same day requires the intensity to be quite high as well.
"So there are a few boxes to check, but it’s likely the 24 hours after and how I recover the next day that will determine if I can play again," Hazlewood told reporters on Monday.
Hazlewood also clarified that his recent injury is not a standard side strain like those he has experienced in the past. Instead, it’s related to a chronic issue he has been trying to resolve.
"If this were the last Test of the summer, I might have considered pushing through it, but I would have ended up in a pretty bad condition by the end of the match, even if it were a short game. It just didn’t feel right.
“It’s not your typical side strain, where you go in to bowl and suddenly you're out for six weeks. This is due to a kind of repetitive use.
“It has caused me considerable trouble over the last few years, but I had a perfect preparation this year, played the Shield game, and was pleased with my condition. Yet, it still occurred, which frustrated me for a few days.
“There have been many discussions from CA's perspective with physios and doctors to explore options to prevent this from happening again. I've met every requirement this week. My side has been a problematic area for me in the past. So, if I can afford to be cautious, I probably will,” he elaborated.
If Hazlewood receives clearance to play in the Brisbane Test, Australian selectors will face the decision of choosing between him and seamer Scott Boland, who delivered figures of 5-105 as his replacement in the Adelaide Test.
"Of course, we have Scotty, who performs exceptionally well every time he plays. This makes the decision somewhat easier. Sometimes you need to be nearly 100 percent to participate, and if not, Scott is always ready to step in. It’s just admiration; he stays true to himself.
"He does his job without trying to be anyone else. Whether he’s playing for Victoria or Australia, it’s consistent. We’ve seen him take multiple wickets in an over, so once he gets going, it’s just bang, bang, bang. Under these conditions, especially with the pink ball at night, he is among the best," remarked Hazlewood.
