Hazlewood sidelined due to injury, Australia face setback ahead of series finale against India

Australia’s hopes for a series victory against India have been dealt a significant blow, with veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood likely to miss the remainder of the Test series due to a calf injury. Cricket Australia confirmed the development, stating the experienced seamer would play no further part in the ongoing Test match in Brisbane.

Hazlewood’s injury surfaced during the warm-up on Tuesday, where he reported discomfort in his calf before bowling just one over in the opening session. The 33-year-old was subsequently taken off the field for further medical assessment. Cricket Australia later released a statement, saying, “Josh Hazlewood has sustained a right-sided calf strain which will prevent him from playing any further part in the Test match against India. He is likely to miss the remainder of the Test series.”

Hazlewood’s absence marks a significant setback for the Australian bowling attack, especially considering his performance in the first Test at Perth, where he claimed a total of five wickets, including an impressive four-wicket haul in the first innings.

The pacer had only just returned to the squad after recovering from a side strain that had sidelined him during Australia’s dominant 10-wicket victory in Adelaide. In that match, fellow fast bowler Scott Boland had stepped up in Hazlewood’s absence. With Hazlewood ruled out, Boland is now expected to replace him in the playing XI for the crucial fourth Test, set to take place at the MCG.

Currently, Australia and India are level at 1-1 in the five-match Test series, with both teams vying for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s in June 2025. The outcome of the remaining matches will play a decisive role in determining their positions in the WTC standings.

Hazlewood has been a key contributor in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. He is currently the fifth-highest wicket-taker, with 57 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 19.68, including three five-wicket hauls. His best bowling figures in the cycle stand at an impressive 5/31.