The second match of the 5-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is set to begin on December 6 in Adelaide. However, before the Test, the hosts have received bad news. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the day-night Test due to an injury. Cricket Australia has confirmed this and announced the inclusion of two uncapped players, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett, as his backups in the squad. Cricket Australia stated that Hazlewood is sidelined due to a side strain.
Despite their inclusion, it seems unlikely that Abbott or Doggett will make it to the playing XI, as Scott Boland is already waiting for his chance in the squad. Boland has played 10 Tests for Australia, taking 35 wickets at an impressive average of 20.34. He will also participate in the warm-up match against India.
Boland last played a Test during the 2023 Ashes series against England. The absence of Josh Hazlewood will be a significant blow for Pat Cummins-led Australia in the Adelaide Test against India. In the last pink-ball Test between the two sides, Hazlewood had a stellar performance, claiming 5 wickets for just 8 runs in 5 overs, dismantling the Indian batting lineup for a mere 36 runs.
Hazlewood started the current series on a strong note, taking 4 wickets in the first innings and bowling economically in the second.
Australia suffered a crushing defeat by 295 runs in the Perth Test and currently trails 0-1 in the series.
