Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has unfortunately been ruled out of the upcoming second Test against India in Adelaide on December 6th due to a low-grade left side injury. This marks the first time that Hazlewood will miss a home Test against India, breaking a streak that has lasted until now. Hazlewood’s absence will also be a significant blow to Australia, who are currently trailing the five-match series 0-1.
Hazlewood, known for his accuracy and ability to move the ball both ways, has been a key player for Australia in Test matches, especially at home. In the last Test against India in Adelaide in December 2021, which was also a pink-ball, day-night fixture, Hazlewood wreaked havoc on the Indian batting lineup, finishing with figures of 5 for 8 in 5 overs. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Australian team as they look to bounce back in the series.
In Hazlewood’s place, uncapped pacers Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett have been added to the squad. Abbott, who has been on the fringes of the Test squad for some time, has been in impressive form in the Sheffield Shield, recently picking up 4 wickets against Tasmania. Doggett, on the other hand, has been turning heads with his performances, including a five-wicket haul against Western Australia and a career-best return of 6 for 15 in a warm-up game against India A.
With the absence of Hazlewood, Australia is likely to turn to Scott Boland to fill the void. Boland, who was initially part of the squad, will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in the upcoming warm-up game for the Prime Ministers XI. His last Test appearance came in the Ashes Test in Leeds in 2023, and he will be eager to make an impact if given the chance to play in the second Test against India.
The quartet of Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon has been a formidable force for Australia in home Tests against India, featuring together in nine successive matches. Hazlewood’s absence will break this streak, presenting a new challenge for the Australian team as they look to level the series against a strong Indian side.
As the second Test approaches, all eyes will be on how Australia adapts to the absence of Hazlewood and how Abbott, Doggett, and potentially Boland step up to fill the void. With the series finely poised, both teams will be eager to gain the upper hand in what promises to be an exciting contest between two cricketing powerhouses.
Impact of Hazlewood’s Absence on Australian Bowling Attack
Josh Hazlewood’s absence due to injury will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Australian bowling attack in the upcoming Test match against India. Hazlewood, known for his ability to generate bounce and movement off the pitch, has been a linchpin in Australia’s bowling lineup, particularly in home conditions. His accuracy and skill in exploiting the pink ball under lights have made him a key weapon for the Australian team.
With Hazlewood sidelined, the onus will now be on the remaining fast bowlers, including Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, to step up and lead the attack. Starc, known for his express pace and ability to swing the ball, will need to take on additional responsibility in Hazlewood’s absence. Cummins, the current world number one Test bowler, will also need to play a key role in providing breakthroughs for the team.
Additionally, the inclusion of uncapped pacers Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett adds a sense of unpredictability to the Australian bowling attack. Both bowlers have been in impressive form in domestic cricket and will be eager to make an impact if given the opportunity to play in the Test match. Abbott’s ability to seam the ball both ways and Doggett’s raw pace and bounce could provide the Australian team with a different dimension in the absence of Hazlewood.
Furthermore, Scott Boland, who is likely to be called upon to fill the void left by Hazlewood, will need to bring his A-game to the table. Boland, with his ability to hit the right lengths and extract movement off the pitch, will be crucial in providing support to the frontline pacers. His experience in domestic cricket and previous Test appearances will be valuable as Australia looks to bounce back in the series.
Challenges and Opportunities for Australia
Hazlewood’s absence presents both challenges and opportunities for the Australian team. While his injury is a setback, it also provides a chance for other bowlers to showcase their skills and stake a claim in the team. The competition for places in the bowling lineup will intensify, with each bowler looking to make a strong case for themselves through their performances.
Australia will need to adapt their bowling strategy in the absence of Hazlewood and find ways to put pressure on the Indian batting lineup. The team management will have to carefully plan their bowling rotations and field placements to maximize the impact of the bowlers at their disposal. The bowlers will need to work in tandem to create sustained pressure and capitalise on any opportunities that come their way.
As the second Test approaches, the Australian team will need to regroup and focus on their strengths to mount a challenge against a strong Indian side. The absence of Hazlewood will test the depth and resilience of the bowling attack, but it also presents an opportunity for the bowlers to rise to the occasion and make a mark on the series.
In conclusion, Hazlewood’s injury has thrown a curveball at the Australian team, but it also opens up avenues for other bowlers to shine. The upcoming Test match promises to be a gripping contest as Australia looks to level the series against India in what is expected to be a keenly contested battle between two cricketing giants.
