Australian Pacer Josh Hazlewood has taken a major step towards proving his fitness for the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India in Brisbane. Notably, Josh is currently recovering from a side strain.
Hazlewood bowled almost at full speed during an extended session at Adelaide Oval on Monday (December 9). The fast bowler also went through several spells to test his Test match readiness.
Josh Hazlewood’s recovery progress sparks selection dilemma for Gabba Test
However, after his extended spell in Adelaide on Monday, Hazlewood revealed it would take another 24 hours to fully assess his recovery and confirm his availability for the third Test against India, starting on December 14 at The Gabba.
If he is cleared to play, Australian selectors face a tough decision between Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, who impressed in the Adelaide Test with figures of 5/105 during the team’s massive 10-wicket win to level the ongoing five-match Test series. 1-1 against India.
Also Read: Ricky Ponting picks 1 Australian player to drop from 3rd Test vs India
Speaking to media in Adelaide on Monday, Josh Hazlewood revealed that his fitness for the upcoming third Test depends on how his body responds over the next 24 hours after his intense fitness assessment. The Australian pacer also stressed the importance of testing his ability to bowl multiple spells at high intensity in a single day to prove his fitness.
Josh Hazlewood faces 24-hour test to prove fitness for The Gabba Test
According to a cricket.com.au report, Josh Hazlewood told the media after training in Adelaide: “I think it’s going to be how I get up in the next 24 hours really. It’s just that the repeated (action) and obviously two spells make a big difference.”
Furthermore, Hazlewood revealed that their main focus is on how well he recovers from the cold and whether his body is ready to handle the demands of another spell the following day. He added that this recovery time will determine his readiness to return to action at The Gabba.
The Australian paceman further explained: “Going almost completely cold and then going again the same day, and the intensity has to be right up there. Well, a few boxes to tick, but it’s probably the next 24 hours and shooting again the next day and then thinking, “Yeah, I’d be right to go again if I had to.”
Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood’s recurring side injuries have been frustrating but helped him recognize early signs of trouble. His injury is as much structural as it is muscular, with a small gap between his rib cage and hip bone increasing the risk, so he decided to skip the Adelaide Test to avoid further damage.
Hazlewood talks about his latest injury
The Australian pacer further stated, “It’s not necessarily your typical side pressure, which I’ve had two of in my career. It has caused me a lot of trouble over the past few years. If Adelaide had been the last Test of the summer, I could possibly have put on the gauntlet and played. I think I would have been in a really bad situation by the end of the game, even though it was only a short game, but it just wasn’t quite right.”
Hazlewood also insisted that he is very familiar with his injury and knows the signs and sensations it brings. The Australian pacer also noted that this experience helps him assess his condition during sessions, making it easier to decide what he can handle and when he is ready to play. He signed off by saying this understanding is a positive aspect of his recovery process.
