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Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood will reportedly miss the first match of the four-Test series against India, which starts in Nagpur on February 9.
As per Fox Sports, the speedster sustained an Achilles niggle in his left leg, making him doubtful for the second Test as well. The 32-year-old has joined ace pacer Mitchell Starc, who will miss the first Test due to a finger injury, on the treatment table.
Meanwhile, Cameron Green is still recovering from his finger injury. The all-rounder is unlikely to bowl until the second Test.
Speaking to reporters, Hazlewood said:
“Not sure about the first Test. It’s still a few days away but it’s sneaking up pretty quickly. Second one is obviously straight after as well. So, we’ll play it by ear over the next week and next few days and hopefully, Tuesday goes well.”
He added that the injury has been troubling him since the SCG Test against South Africa.
“It’s still lingering from the (Sydney) Test match probably.”
Indian fans want Rohit Sharma and Co. to win the first Test and take a 1-0 lead in the series with a host of Australian players injured. Interestingly, India have won four Test series in a row against the Aussies at home.
Here are some of the best Twitter reactions:
Why Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc’s absence is a big advantage for Team India?
Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc’s absence will be a huge loss for Australia but a big advantage for Team India. Hazlewood has scalped 51 wickets in 15 Tests against India, including four five-wicket hauls. Meanwhile, Starc has picked up 42 wickets in 15 Tests against India.
In Hazlewood and Starc’s absence, Australia captain Pat Cummins and Scott Boland are likely to lead the Australian pace attack.
Australia squad for the tour of India: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (VC), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.
