Finch Sees Hazlewood's Injury as Opportunity for Australia to Selectively Choose His Test Participation
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) Former captain Aaron Finch has indicated that Josh Hazlewood’s recent calf injury, which concluded his involvement in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, presents Australia with an opportunity to selectively choose the Test matches he participates in going forward.
After being sidelined from the day-night Test in Adelaide due to a side strain, Hazlewood made his return for the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. However, he sustained a calf strain before the fourth day’s play, where he bowled only one over before undergoing scans that confirmed his injury would end his series.
“With Hazlewood getting injured increasingly often, that’s a significant concern. I think there’s a chance to potentially cherry pick the matches he plays in the future,” Finch remarked on ESPN's Around The Wicket show.
“It’s well acknowledged that he ranks among the top three bowlers in Australia, or top four if you include Nathan Lyon. However, his presence on the field is essential… (Thus, Australia might need to consider) selecting the most suitable conditions for Josh Hazlewood to make an impact while rotating others around that,” Finch added.
As Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc reach their 30s, former player Callum Ferguson believes Australia must reevaluate their strategies regarding fast bowlers to extend the Test careers of this trio.
“These upcoming years are crucial for the Australian cricket team concerning their fast-bowling lineup since they aren’t youngsters anymore. Furthermore, those coming in behind them aren’t particularly young either, considering Scott Boland and Michael Neser, who is currently out with a hamstring injury. We need to consider how to maximize the effectiveness of these players and how to extend their careers,” he stated.
“We don’t want them to participate in less cricket; we want them to play more. I believe a rotation policy could be the optimal approach here because that pool of five or six fast bowlers is incredibly talented and capable, so let's aim to extend their careers, and rotation might be the best way forward,” he concluded.
