Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood would likely return to third tests after missing the Pink-ball test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy due to a side strain injury.
With Hazlewood set to return, Scott Boland has to make way in the playing 11 for the third test. Josh Hazlewood has an impressive record at the Gabba, Brisbane and his return could significantly boost Australia’s pace attack.
Josh Hazlewood has a faster recovery than expected and was seen bowling at full speed at the Adelaide Oval.
Josh Hazlewood bowled two spells on monday and seemed to be comfortable with his workload.
Australia has levelled the series 1-1 after a stunning 10 wicket victory in the pink-ball test and reclaimed their spot in the WTC points table.
Earlier, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting had said that even though Scott Boland bowled well in Adelaide, he would still prefer Josh Hazlewood in the playing 11.
An injury update on Josh Hazlewood has just come in #AUSvIND
MORE: https://t.co/HdfxeFN8q1 pic.twitter.com/wseqBCt1uK
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 9, 2024
“Even though Boland has bowled brilliantly, I would still prefer Hazlewood in the playing XI for Brisbane,” said Ponting.
Hazlewood has played 8 tests in Brisbane so far, taking 37 wickets at an impressive average of 23.75. He has taken two wicket haul at the Gabba.
It is important to state that it was Hazlewood who got the better of Virat Kohli in the first innings of the Perth Test. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both struggling with their form, Hazlewood’s return could act as a potential dagger.
After a win in Adelaide, Australia Pat Cummins provided an update on Hazlewood saying the pacer will be ‘alright’ for Brisbane.
“(Josh Hazlewood) will have to bowl tomorrow, so he’s all on track. He will bowl tomorrow and then we will have to assess from there. But yeah, it’s all gone to plan so far,” said Cummins at the post-match press conference.
“So we are fairly confident that he will be alright for Brisbane, and we’ll know more in the next couple of days. Yeah if someone has to make way, that’ll be pretty unlucky,” he added.
Scott Boland did the job for Australia in Adelaide as he scalped a total of five wickets in the Test. The third test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy will begin on December 14 at The Gabba.
