Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has left the field during the third Test against India in Brisbane due to a calf injury.
Injury forces Josh Hazlewood out early
The unexpected development came after Hazlewood managed to bowl just one over on day 4 at the gabbaraising immediate concerns about his availability for the rest of the game and the rest of the series.
Hazlewood was visibly uncomfortable, grimacing and favoring his calf before deciding to leave the field for further medical assessment. According to Australian media reports, Hazlewood had already raised the issue during the morning warm-up. This has sparked speculation as to whether the injury is a repeat of a previous side strain or an entirely new setback.
The absence of Hazlewood, one of Australia’s top bowlers, leaves the hosts in this crucial encounter. To keep India under pressure, Australia may need a major reshuffle and need to compensate for the missing firepower in the bowling line-up.
Concerns over Hazlewood’s fitness
Hazlewood’s departure is particularly concerning given his recurring injury history, including side strains and other fitness issues that have often kept him off the field. The decision to include him in the squad, despite continued scrutiny of his fitness, has now been called into question. Critics and analysts have pointed out that Australia might have chosen a fully suitable alternative such as Scott Boland to avoid such mid-match complications.
The Australian management is now awaiting the results of Hazlewood’s scans to assess the extent of the injury. If the fast bowler faces an extended recovery period, he could deal a major blow to Australia’s bowling attack for the rest of the series. This would prove even more difficult if India build a strong lead or force strategic plays such as forcing the follow-on.
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Fans react as Australia face strategic challenge
Hazlewood’s injury has caused an uproar on social media, with fans expressing concern for the bowler’s well-being while speculating about its impact on Australia’s performance. Losing an experienced pacer could tip the balance in India’s favour, especially on a Brisbane pitch that traditionally favors fast bowlers.
From California: Josh Hazlewood mentioned calf awareness in the warm-up this morning. He will be taken for tests to assess the injury. Any updates will be communicated in due course.
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_Meadows) December 17, 2024
Josh Hazlewood’s injury concerns over the past two years:
Achilles – missed 4 Tests
Lateral strain – 4 tests missed
Calf – lost 3 T20Is@SEN_Cricket @1116sen #AUSWIND— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) December 17, 2024
Further updates on Hazlewood’s condition are expected to be released soon by team management.
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