Former Australia pacer Damien Fleming opened up about Josh Hazlewood’s injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25) series against India. Damien Fleming stated that it’s a very common injury and predicted that Josh Hazlewood would be available for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Hazlewood has been ruled out of the upcoming pink-ball Test against India due to a side strain. Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett have been called up as replacements, but Scott Boland is likely to take Hazlewood’s place in the playing XI for the match, set to begin in Adelaide on Friday, December 6.
Josh Hazlewood Recorded Figures of 8/5 in Last Pink-Ball Test Against India
The 33-year-old pace bowler was the best for Australia in the first Test against India, taking four wickets in the first innings and one in the second. However, the Pat Cummins-led team suffered a humiliating 295-run loss in Perth. Hazlewood’s absence for the second Test is a major setback for the team.
Hazlewood recorded with figures of 8/5 during the pink-ball match in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Sean Abbott has yet to feature in a Test match for Australia. However, he has shown promise in limited-overs cricket and has delivered well in the Sheffield Shield, taking 13 wickets in two matches.
It Depends on the Grade of the Tear – Damien Fleming
Speaking on SEN Afternoons, Damien Fleming said that Josh Hazlewood’s injury is a concern, but it depends on the grade of the tear. Fleming stated that Hazlewood could return for the Boxing Day Test if the tear is slight. He added that the pacer may not play again this series if the side strain is significant.
“Without a doubt (it’s a concern). But, it depends on the grade of the tear, they’re saying it’s slight. My gut feel is if it’s very slight, he’d be a chance for Boxing Day,” Fleming told SEN Afternoons.
“But if it’s a significant side strain, then he won’t play any further part in this Test series … that’s without knowing the grade. I know fast bowlers have been out for three months with what we call ‘the grunter muscle’, it’s a very common injury. At best, I think Boxing Day, at worst, that’s the end of the Test summer,” he added.
Scott Boland Likely to Replace Josh Hazlewood in Playing XI for Adelaide Test
Right-arm seamer Scott Boland is expected to replace Josh Hazlewood for the second Test in Adelaide. The 35-year-old last played a Test in the third Ashes Test at Headingley in 2023. Boland has taken 35 wickets in his 10 Tests at an impressive average of 20.34, including a six-wicket haul on debut.
India played a warm-up game against Australia PM XI in Canberra to prepare for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. However, the first day was called off due to rain. During the practice match, youngster Sam Konstas impressed selectors with a remarkable century for the Prime Minister’s XI against India.
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