Josh Hazlewood returns on Day 3 of Gqeberha Test after illness kept him off Day 2
Synopsis
Josh Hazlewood's illness-enforced absence on Day 2 of the Gqeberha Test triggered a little-known cricket law: he cannot bowl until he serves penalty time back on the field. With South Africa at 97 for 5 and Boland already having taken four, Australia are in command — but Hazlewood's exact availability in the opening session of Day 3 adds a tactical wrinkle to what could be the match's defining day.
Key Takeaways
Josh Hazlewood returned to the field on Day 3 of the second Test at St George's Park, Gqeberha after missing Day 2 with illness.
Only 30.4 overs were bowled on Day 2 due to rain; South Africa closed at 97 for 5 .
Scott Boland took four wickets and Mitchell Starc took one in Hazlewood's absence.
Under Law 24.3 , Hazlewood must spend approximately one session on the field before he can bowl, as illness does not qualify as an exemption.
Hazlewood was seen bowling in the pre-play warm-up ahead of Day 3, easing concerns about his fitness.
Josh Hazlewood was back on the field for Australia on Day 3 of the second Test against South Africa at St George's Park, Gqeberha, providing a timely boost to the visitors after the pacer missed the rain-curtailed Day 2 due to illness. His return came as Australia look to press their advantage in what is shaping up as a crucial day in the contest.
Why Hazlewood Missed Day 2
Only 30.4 overs were possible on Day 2 as persistent rain interrupted play in Gqeberha, with South Africa closing the day at 97 for 5. Hazlewood was absent from the field throughout, sidelined by illness rather than any external injury sustained during play. Scott Boland stepped up in his absence, ripping through the hosts' batting order with four wickets, while Mitchell Starc chipped in with one.
The Cricket Laws That Govern His Return
Under Law 24.3 of the laws of cricket, a player who leaves the field due to illness or internal injury — rather than an external blow sustained during the match — must serve a penalty time on the field before being permitted to bowl. Specifically, Law 24.3.1 exempts players who have suffered an external blow during the match, while Law 24.3.2 clarifies that illness or internal injury does not qualify as a 'wholly acceptable reason' that waives the penalty.
Because Hazlewood's absence was illness-related, he falls outside the exemption. This means he will need to spend time on the field — reportedly a little more than one session — before he can resume his bowling duties.
Hazlewood Bowls in Warm-Up, Easing Australian Concerns
In an encouraging sign for the touring side, Hazlewood was seen bowling during Australia's pre-play warm-up ahead of Day 3, suggesting his condition has improved significantly. His availability in some capacity during the day will be a relief for the Australians, who will need his pace and movement if South Africa's lower order stages a recovery in the first innings.
What It Means for the Match
With South Africa already five wickets down for 97 runs, Australia are firmly in control, but the hosts' tail could prove troublesome without Hazlewood's full services from the outset. Once the penalty period is served, Hazlewood is expected to spearhead Australia's push to wrap up the South African first innings and assert further dominance. Australia will be hoping the moving conditions at St George's Park continue to assist their pace attack as the match enters its decisive phase.
Point of View
But the real story here is the penalty-time clause that most casual viewers will not know exists. Law 24.3 creates a genuine tactical asymmetry: Australia have their key bowler available in person but not in action for the opening session, potentially allowing South Africa's lower order breathing room they would not otherwise get. Boland's four-wicket haul on a rain-shortened day already shows how potent the Australian pace attack is even without Hazlewood — his presence, once fully activated, could make the innings capitulation swift. The broader pattern is worth noting: Australia's depth in pace bowling means even a half-fit Hazlewood strengthens a unit that was already dismantling the hosts.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Josh Hazlewood miss Day 2 of the Gqeberha Test?
Josh Hazlewood missed Day 2 of the second Test at St George's Park, Gqeberha due to illness. His absence was not caused by an external blow sustained during the match.
Can Hazlewood bowl immediately after returning on Day 3?
No. Under Law 24.3 of the laws of cricket, a player who leaves the field due to illness must serve a penalty period on the field before resuming bowling duties. In Hazlewood's case, this is reportedly a little more than one session.
What is Law 24.3 in cricket?
Law 24.3 governs penalty time for players who leave the field. It exempts players who suffered an external blow during the match (Law 24.3.1), but explicitly states that illness or internal injury does not count as a 'wholly acceptable reason' for an exemption (Law 24.3.2), requiring the player to serve time on the field before bowling.
What is the score in the South Africa vs Australia second Test?
South Africa closed Day 2 at 97 for 5 in their first innings, with Scott Boland taking four wickets and Mitchell Starc claiming one. Australia hold a commanding position as Day 3 begins.
How did Australia perform on Day 2 without Hazlewood?
Australia performed well despite Hazlewood's absence. Scott Boland took four wickets and Mitchell Starc added one, reducing South Africa to 97 for 5 in a day curtailed to just 30.4 overs by rain.
