BGT: Hazlewood Expected to Miss Series as Scans Reveal Calf Injury
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Brisbane, Dec 17 (NationPress) Australia faces a significant setback as seasoned pacer Josh Hazlewood is anticipated to be sidelined from the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India following scans that confirmed a strain in his right calf.
Hazlewood suffered the injury during Australia's warm-up session on Tuesday morning. He managed to bowl one over in the initial session before departing the field due to calf discomfort.
The 33-year-old bowler subsequently underwent scans to evaluate the extent of the injury, which later confirmed a strain in his right calf, likely ruling him out for the remainder of the series.
Cricket Australia stated, "Josh Hazlewood has sustained a right-sided calf strain, preventing him from participating in any further action in the Test match against India in Brisbane. He is expected to miss the rest of the Test series," as reported by ICC.
A spokesperson for CA added, "A squad replacement will be made in due course."
Hazlewood arrived late on the field at the start of play and appeared to struggle during his spell, rarely exceeding 131 km/h. During the drinks break after that over, he engaged in an extended conversation with Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, and physio Nick Jones before leaving the field.
Heading into the third Test, Australia made only one alteration in their playing eleven with Hazlewood replacing Scott Boland. Hazlewood had previously missed the second Test at Adelaide Oval due to a side strain.
In Hazlewood's likely absence, Scott Boland is now firmly in contention to participate in the Boxing Day Test, starting from December 26 at the MCG.
It is worth mentioning that Hazlewood injured the same calf in August ahead of Australia's limited-overs tour of the UK, which led to his absence in the T20 series against Scotland, although he did compete in matches against England.
Australia and India are currently tied at 1-1 in the five-match series, with both teams still vying for a spot in the World Test Championship Final, scheduled to take place at Lord's in June 2025.
