Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was shockingly picked in a van from the Gabba, Brisbane before the third Test between Australia and India. Hazlewood’s new ball bowling partner Mitchell Starc was also with them as was Australia’s bowling coach Daniel Vettori.
The news had created suspense during the time Hazlewood was away. He did not bowl a single ball in the Gabba nets which further raised questions over his availability for the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Hazelwood didn’t bowled a single bowl in Nets (Public) – Going out in a Van with starc and Vettori
What are they up to pic.twitter.com/LbHe7utbmm— रोहित जुगलान Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) December 12, 2024
Also read: Team India penalized by the ICC for this offence vs Australia
Where did Josh Hazlewood go after leaving the Gabba?
Josh Hazlewood was later found in the Allan Border Field, Brisbane, which is another international ground in the city after Gabba. According to Code Sports, the Australian quick bowled at the Allan Border Field for about 45 minutes and didn’t look at any kind of discomfort.
His teammate Mitchell Starc too trained alongside him as Daniel Vettori watched from the sidelines. Hazlewood’s availability is a great sign for Australia as they will have their first-choice bowling attack ready for the third Test at Gabba.
However, he will need to pull up well a day before the game before being considered for selection. The signs were great as he looks ready to play in the Gabba Test which will begin on December 14 (Saturday).
Josh Hazlewood appearing to have no issue bowling off a full run up in Brisbane, as he fights to return from a side strain.
He and Mitchell Starc have gone off site from the Gabba.
Footage captured by @JoelGould6 for AAP. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Drv4b5Fi8V
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) December 12, 2024
Why did Josh Hazlewood didn’t train at the Gabba?
The report also revealed the reason behind Josh Hazlewood’s decision not to train at the Gabba, where the match will be played. The run-ups at the Gabba aren’t long enough which prompted both Hazlewood and Starc to leave the ground in order to prepare themselves.
Hazlewood bowled to Josh Inglis and Queensland’s domestic batter Lachie Hearne at the Allan Border Field, which is also the home to Queensland cricket. He looked in good form and even pulled up well.
The Allan Border Field recently hosted the second ODI between Australia Women and India Women. Australia plundered a record 371-8 while batting first. In reply, India were bowled out for just 249 and lost the match by 122 runs.
While Josh Hazlewood’s fitness is a good sign for Australia, it also means that Scott Boland might be dropped for the Brisbane Test despite being impressive in Adelaide. Australia skipper Pat Cummins had earlier stated that Hazlewood will be playing in Gabba if he is fit and the one who misses out will be unlucky.
Where will Rohit Sharma bat in the Gabba Test?
Meanwhile, there was also some good news for India as Jasprit Bumrah bowled without any discomfort in the nets. Bumrah, who is also the spearhead of India’s bowling attack, was under an injury cloud after he was found cramping in Adelaide.
There was also some update on Rohit Sharma’s batting position. The Indian captain, who batted at No. 6 in the previous match, batted with the new ball at Gabba. This is an indication that he might be back to open the batting in the third Test of the series.