“Was he fit going into this game?” - Former Australia cricketer questions fast bowler’s fitness in BGT 2024-25 3rd Test

Former Australia player Kerry O’Keeffe has slammed the management for rushing Josh Hazlewood for the ongoing third Test in Brisbane on Tuesday, December 17. The 75-year-old questioned whether the pacer had recovered fully from an injury that ruled him out of the second Test in Adelaide.

The reaction came as Hazlewood left the field on Day 4 due to a calf issue. The pacer has been taken for scans to assess the extent of his injury. He will likely miss the next Test in Melbourne, which starts on December 26.

Scott Boland replaced Hazlewood in the second Test and picked up five wickets. The pacer, however, was replaced soon for the third game of the five-match series.

Kerry O’Keeffe told Fox Sports:

“Trying to look at the Australian strategy, I think they had in mind that Hazlewood should play this and miss Melbourne. Melbourne is by a long way his worst pitch in Australia and then Starc miss Sydney, which is a long way his worst pitch in Australia. So, I think they factored in that Australia was going to play this one and that Boland, who loves the MCG would come in for Melbourne.”

“And that may well be the case now anyway. The Boland numbers are irresistible. But questions will be asked, was he (Hazlewood) fit going into this game?” he asked.

It’s worth mentioning that Josh Hazlewood bowled just six overs during India’s first innings.

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“He has clearly got some kind of issue” – Michael Vaughan on Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood

Former England captain Michael Vaughan also tore apart the management for their decision to play Josh Hazlewood in the third Test. The cricketer-turned-commentator pointed out that the Aussie lacked pace, hinting about his fitness levels.

Vaughan reckoned that Scott Boland will now play the Boxing Day Test for the hosts. During the interaction, he said:

“We have all seen enough bowlers over the years to know that Hazlewood is not right. His pace is down. He has clearly got some kind of issue. Without any question I think we will be seeing Scott Boland at the MCG. I think Hazlewood I’m not too sure he will bowl much more.

"Mitchell Marsh can come on and bowl a few. He looks ginger like he is really struggling. He’s walking back gingerly. He is just not right,” he added.

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