Ravi Shastri highlights Josh Hazlewood’s absence as a ‘key setback’ for Australia ahead of Adelaide Test

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes Australia will sorely miss pacer Josh Hazlewood in the upcoming pink-ball Test against India in Adelaide. Hazlewood’s absence, due to a side strain, has left a significant void in Australia’s bowling attack, reducing the effectiveness of their renowned quartet comprising skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon.

Speaking on the ICC Review, Shastri emphasized the control Hazlewood brings to the team, calling his absence “massive.” Reflecting on Hazlewood’s consistency, Shastri remarked, “He gives Australia great control. In the Perth Test, he bowled 18 overs for just 25 runs at one stage. That’s the kind of frugality needed in a pink-ball Test, especially in Adelaide.”

Hazlewood’s record in day-night Tests underscores his importance. During India’s 2020 tour, he claimed five wickets for just eight runs in a memorable pink-ball clash where India was bowled out for 36. Earlier this year, Hazlewood repeated his brilliance under lights, taking five wickets against the West Indies at the Gabba. Shastri pointed out how Hazlewood’s precision and ability to exploit swinging conditions under lights make him a formidable bowler. “If it is seaming under lights, tactics change. Hazlewood’s accuracy ensures he always tests the batter’s off-stump awareness,” Shastri added.

Australia’s loss at Perth by 295 runs, coupled with Hazlewood’s absence, could give India a psychological edge going into the second Test. Scott Boland has been drafted in to replace Hazlewood. Boland, known for his performances in pink-ball games, has seven wickets in two such matches at an average of 13.71. His heroics in the ICC World Test Championship final against India, where he took five wickets, including that of Virat Kohli, offer hope for Australia.

Also See: India vs Australia latest Schedule, Upcoming Matches, Match Dates and Timing

Shastri remains cautious but optimistic for Australia, noting Boland’s ability to deliver in key moments. However, he reiterated how pivotal Hazlewood’s presence could have been in Adelaide’s conditions, especially with the pink ball’s tendency to swing.

Australia squad (for second Test): Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster

India squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar. Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed, Yash Dayal.