November 30, 2024

Hazlewood Out of Second Test; Abbott and Doggett Join Australia’s Squad

Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Test against India in Adelaide due to a side strain. This injury means Hazlewood, who was Australia’s standout bowler in Perth with figures of 5 for 57 across 34 overs, will miss his first Test since the 2023 Ashes series at Headingley. His absence is particularly notable after a series of injuries that limited his appearances between December 2021 and June 2023, where he played just four Tests. Despite this, Hazlewood will remain with the squad in Adelaide to continue his recovery.

Scott Boland is expected to replace Hazlewood in the XI for the day-night Test. Boland’s inclusion would mark his first Test appearance since stepping in for Hazlewood during the Ashes at Leeds. The Victorian bowler boasts an impressive home record, having taken 28 wickets at an average of 12.21 from six matches, solidifying his reputation as a reliable performer on Australian soil. Meanwhile, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett, both uncapped at the Test level, have been added to the squad as potential options.

Abbott, a consistent presence in Australia’s white-ball teams, has been seen as unlucky not to have received a Test cap until now. Doggett’s inclusion is a rapid return to the national scene after a previous selection for the 2018 Pakistan series in the UAE. This comes after his standout performance for Australia A, where he took a career-best 6 for 15 against India A in Mackay. The Perth Test was the 10th consecutive match where Australia’s trio of Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc had bowled together, but with Hazlewood sidelined, the team will rely on Boland and potentially Abbott or Doggett to step up.

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Australia Faces Selection Challenges Ahead of Adelaide Test After Injuries and Squad Changes

Michael Neser, who had been a strong contender for selection, is now unlikely to feature due to a hamstring injury sustained during the second Australia A match at the MCG. The allrounder is not expected to be fit until the start of the Big Bash League (BBL). Meanwhile, Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris, both of whom are centrally contracted and based in Western Australia, have made their return to the Sheffield Shield this season, enhancing their chances for a Test call-up.

Amid concerns over Mitchell Marsh, who reported soreness following the Perth Test, Australia’s selectors included uncapped allrounder Beau Webster in the squad. Although originally named as a backup batter, Josh Inglis remains in the squad, but Webster could potentially take his place if Marsh is unable to play in Adelaide. The absence of Josh Hazlewood, who was instrumental in the Perth Test, further complicates Australia’s plans after their significant 295-run defeat. There is also pressure on the batting line-up, particularly Marnus Labuschagne, who had a difficult outing in Perth, scoring just 2 runs off 52 balls in the first innings.

Australia is set to start training in Adelaide on Monday, a day earlier than initially planned, to prepare for the second Test. India, meanwhile, is scheduled to play a two-day match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra over the weekend. However, heavy rain is forecast, posing a risk of disruption to the match. Scott Boland, who is part of the PM’s XI, is keen to get some much-needed overs under his belt after only playing two first-class games this season.

The reshuffling of the squad and potential changes to the team composition are key as Australia aims to recover from their defeat in Perth. The added uncertainty, with Hazlewood sidelined and Marsh’s fitness in question, leaves the selectors needing to make crucial decisions ahead of the Adelaide Test. With players like Boland and Webster waiting in the wings, the team’s strategy and lineup remain closely watched as the match approaches.

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