BGT Faces Bowling Crisis: Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out

Australia’s experienced pacer Josh Hazlewood will not play in the second Test against India at Adelaide Oval, starting December 6. Hazlewood, who is recovering from a side strain, has been ruled out. To fill the gap, Australia has added two uncapped bowlers, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett, as backups for the day-night Test.

Hazlewood, 33, was the standout bowler for Australia in the first Test despite their heavy 295-run loss to India in Perth. He took four crucial wickets on Day 1, restricting India to just 150 runs. In the second innings, he bowled 21 tight overs, picking up another wicket while India built an unassailable lead.

Sean Abbott, 32, has played limited-overs cricket for Australia but is yet to debut in Tests. He has been part of the Test squad several times before without getting a game. In the Sheffield Shield this season, Abbott impressed with 13 wickets in just two matches.

Brendan Doggett, 30, has also been brought into the squad. This is his second Test call-up, the first being during Australia’s 2018 series against Pakistan in the UAE. In three Sheffield Shield matches this season, Doggett has taken 11 wickets at an average of 34.27.

Scott Boland Likely to Replace Josh Hazlewood

Scott Boland is expected to take Hazlewood’s place in the playing XI. The 35-year-old has been a reliable performer for Australia in Test cricket. Boland last played a Test during the Ashes in 2023, where he took 35 wickets across 10 matches at an impressive average of 20.34. Notably, he claimed six wickets on his debut Test.

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Hazlewood’s absence will be a significant blow to Australia, especially as he was instrumental in the last pink-ball Test against India. In that match, he took 5/8, helping bowl India out for just 36 runs. With Hazlewood missing, more responsibility will fall on Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who struggled in Perth, managing only three wickets between them in the entire match.

Australia faces a tough challenge against a confident Indian batting lineup and will hope their pace attack can deliver in Adelaide.