3rd Test
Calf strain is poised to keep Josh Hazlewood out for the rest of the India series
Josh Hazlewood is unlikely to feature in the remainder of the Test series against India after suffering a calf strain on the fourth day of the Brisbane Test.
A Cricket Australia statement confirmed that the 33-year-old paceman will also not take part in the rest of the ongoing Gabba Test.
Hazlewood bowled just six overs in Australia’s first innings and only one on the fourth day of the Test, December 17.
He injured his calf during warm-ups and only joined play late in the morning session.
He appeared to be moving cautiously during his single over and bowled at reduced speeds before walking off the field.
Subsequent scans confirmed a right calf strain.
“He is likely to miss the remainder of the Test series.
A squad replacement will be made in due course,” read the CA statement.
This injury marks the latest setback in Hazlewood’s career, following a series of fitness concerns.
He missed the pink-ball Test in Adelaide last week due to a recurrence of a side injury that has kept him sidelined for much of the past two years.
Between December 2021 and June 2023, Hazlewood played in only four Tests for Australia, with side injuries causing him to miss significant matches, including key Ashes fixtures and the World Test Championship final against India.
Hazlewood underwent a fitness test in Adelaide on December 9, after which he was cleared to return to the XI in Brisbane by CA’s medical experts.
With another spell on the sidelines ahead, Scott Boland, who took match figures of 5 for 105 in Adelaide, is expected to be recalled for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
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