BGT: Cummins announces Hazlewood's exit from the series due to injury
Click to start listening
Brisbane, Dec 18 (NationPress) Australia captain Pat Cummins has announced that fast-bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series because of a calf injury.
Hazlewood sustained an injury to his right calf during Australia’s warm-up session on Tuesday morning. He bowled just one over in the opening session on Day 4 before exiting the field due to calf discomfort. The 33-year-old bowler subsequently underwent scans to determine the extent of the injury. The results confirmed a strain in his right calf, forcing him to withdraw from the series.
“Regarding Joshie (Hazlewood), yes, of course, this is not ideal. He will be out for the series. It will take a few weeks for him to recover, and then he will need to build up again from there. So, we’re not certain when that will be, but it will be at least for this series,” Cummins stated to ABC Sport after the day's play on Wednesday.
Hazlewood arrived on the field late at the beginning of Day 4 and seemed to struggle during his bowling spell, rarely clocking speeds above 131 kmph. During the drinks break after that over, he was observed having an in-depth conversation with Cummins, Steven Smith, and physio Nick Jones before leaving the field.
Expressing his disappointment about missing the ongoing series due to injury, Hazlewood stated that he is determined to come back even stronger.
“I’m disappointed that I couldn’t bowl in the Gabba Test because of the injury, but that’s all part of the game. I’ll put in the effort to recover and return to doing what I love with the team. Good luck to the team! Wishing the lads all the best for the remaining matches – let’s secure the win!” he posted on X.
Australia made a single change to their playing XI for the third Test, which concluded in a draw, with Hazlewood coming in for Scott Boland, who had taken five wickets in the Adelaide Test while Hazlewood was sidelined due to his side injury.
In Hazlewood’s absence, Boland is back in contention for the Boxing Day Test, commencing on December 26 at the MCG.
It’s worth noting that Hazlewood had suffered a similar calf injury in August, prior to Australia’s limited-overs tour of the UK, causing him to miss the T20 series against Scotland, although he participated in matches against England.
