Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out of India vs Australia 2nd Test: Scott Boland Set to Play
Published on: Nov 30, 2024 1:35 pm IST|Updated on: Nov 30, 2024 1:35 pm IST
In a significant blow to Australia ahead of the India vs Australia 2nd Test, star pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out due to a side strain. The injury has dashed hopes of his participation in the day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval, starting 6 December 2024.
Hazlewood’s Injury Sidelines Him for 2nd Test Ind vs Aus
Josh Hazlewood, who was instrumental in Australia’s bowling attack in the opening Test, picking up five wickets with exceptional economy, was expected to play a key role in the India vs Australia second test. However, the “low-grade left side injury” will sideline him not only for the second Test but may also impact his availability for the rest of the Border-Gavaskar series.
JUST IN: Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the second #AUSvIND Test with uncapped duo called up. Full details 👇https://t.co/ZHrw3TUO8a
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 30, 2024
Australia Makes Changes to the Squad: Abbott and Doggett Called Up
With Hazlewood unavailable, Australia has called up uncapped bowlers Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett to the squad as backup. The Australian management has yet to finalize the exact playing XI, but Scott Boland is the favorite to make his return in place of Hazlewood. Boland last played in July 2023 and will look to prove himself in the two-day pink-ball match between India and the Prime Minister’s XI at Canberra’s Manuka Oval. There, he will face a tough challenge against India’s top order, including the likes of Rohit Sharma and other big names from the Indian squad.
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Scott Boland Likely to Replace Hazlewood in the Ind vs Aus 2nd Test
All eyes will be on Scott Boland, who could take Hazlewood’s spot in the playing XI for the Ind vs Aus second test 2024. Boland, known for his impressive record in home conditions, is expected to be a key figure in the pink-ball Test. His return will be eagerly awaited by fans, as the experienced pacer looks to contribute to Australia’s efforts to level the series.
Despite the presence of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in the pace attack, Hazlewood’s absence leaves a hole in Australia’s bowling lineup that could prove difficult to fill, especially with the pink-ball conditions expected to favor swing and seam bowlers. Hazlewood had been Australia’s most effective bowler in the first Test, and his previous record in day-night Tests, including his famous 5/8 against India in 2018, made him an integral part of the Aussie plans.
India Set to Strengthen Batting for the 2nd Test Ind vs Aus
As the teams prepare for the India vs Australia second test in Adelaide, both sides are gearing up for a thrilling battle. India is set to receive a major boost with the return of Rohit Sharma and possibly Shubman Gill, which will strengthen their batting lineup after a dominant performance in Perth.
Australia would be hoping to bounce back from their heavy defeat in the first match. Meanwhile, India will be aiming to extend their dominance and secure a series win in what has been a dominant period for them in the Ind vs Aus 2nd Test 2024 series.
The India vs Australia second test at the Adelaide Oval promises to deliver high-intensity cricket, with both teams looking to make their mark. Will Australia fight back, or will India continue their winning momentum? Stay tuned as the action unfolds in the Ind vs Aus 2nd test.
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