Josh Hazlewood is likely to be absent for the remaining Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches due to a right calf strain. The injury occurred during the third Test at the Gabba, as confirmed by Cricket Australia on Tuesday.
This injury also prevented Hazlewood from participating in the Brisbane Test, impacting Australia’s bowling strength.
“He’s pretty flat, But we’ll get around him, put our arm around him and show a bit of care and love for the big fella.” Nathon Lyon said to ABC Sports.
Nathan Lyon expressed his concern for his teammate’s injury and the team’s support for him. The team also missed the chance to enforce the follow-on after strong batting by Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah on the fourth day.
Cricket Australia’s official statement confirmed Hazlewood’s right calf strain and his unavailability for the remaining Test series against India.
“Josh Hazlewood has sustained a right side calf strain which will prevent him from playing any further part in the Test match against India in Brisbane. He is likely to miss the remainder of the Test series.”
Hazlewood bowled only one over on Tuesday before leaving the field after consulting with captain Pat Cummins, senior player Steve Smith, and physio Nick Jones. He subsequently underwent scans.
“He’s pretty despondent,”
Assistant coach Daniel Vettori described Hazlewood’s state during the post-day press conference.
“(He) felt it this morning in warm-ups, gave it a good crack, it’s just unfortunate for him to come back, put so much effort after another injury with the side strain, then to pick up a calf strain here, particularly in these circumstances is really tough on him,””
Vettori further explained the difficult timing of the injury, particularly after Hazlewood’s recent return from a side strain.
On Monday, the third day, Hazlewood had dismissed Virat Kohli with a delivery outside off-stump. This was a key moment before his injury.
Hazlewood’s inclusion in the third Test marked his comeback after missing the Adelaide Pink Ball Test due to a side strain. He had replaced Scott Boland in the playing eleven.
“Obviously, it looks like Hazlewood will be out,”
Vettori acknowledged the likelihood of Hazlewood’s absence for the remainder of the series and Scott Boland is expected to return to the playing eleven for the Melbourne and Sydney Tests.
Vettori highlighted Boland’s consistent performance as a backup seamer and his strong record in Australian conditions.
“I think Boland speaks for himself. I mean, the way he bowled in Adelaide, the way that he has consistently been the back-up seamer, and every single time he has been asked to step up, particularly in Australia, he has been outstanding, so I think that would be the logical thing to conclude.”
