Australia have suffered a significant blow ahead of the second Test of the five-match series against India at the Adelaide Oval, as experienced pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out due to a low-grade left side injury.
Hazlewood, who was pivotal in the first Test in Perth with five wickets, including a first-innings four-wicket haul, will remain with the team to rehabilitate and prepare for the remainder of the series.
Replacement options for injured Josh Hazlewood
In light of Hazlewood’s absence, the Australian selectors have called up Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett as potential replacement options for the pink-ball Test, which begins on December 6.
Boland, who was part of the original squad as the back-up seamer, is the frontrunner to replace Hazlewood in the playing XI. Boland, known for his consistency, is expected to slot into the lineup seamlessly for the day-night Test.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s how India have flared in pink-ball Tests
Abbott and Doggett bring depth to Australia’s pace department. Abbott, a seasoned campaigner in the domestic circuit, has taken 261 wickets in 87 first-class matches. While he has considerable white-ball experience with 26 ODIs and 20 T20Is, the Adelaide Test could mark his debut in the longest format. Doggett, on the other hand, is uncapped at the international level but boasts impressive first-class numbers, having claimed 142 wickets in just 40 matches. Both players will provide additional options for the team as they aim to bounce back in the series.
Australia’s revised squad for the pink-ball Test against India
Pat Cummins (captain), Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Nathan McSweeney, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Sean Abbott, Beau Webster, Brendan Doggett.
Australia heads into the second Test trailing the series after a 295-run defeat in Perth. With the pink ball known to favour swing and seam movement, the team will be hoping for a strong performance from their revamped pace attack as they look to level the series.
Also READ: AUS vs IND – Mitchell Johnson makes bold call to drop a key Australian player for the Adelaide Test
Leave feedback about this