Josh Hazlewood will miss the day and night event in Adelaide, which begins Thursday, due to injury sustained in the nine-win win at The Gabba; Jhye Richardson is expected to appear in the second test
Josh Hazlewood to miss for Australia in Adelaide due to injury
Australia will be without pitcher Josh Hazlewood for the second Ash Test due to injury, with Jhye Richardson as a possible replacement.
The 30-year-old suffered lateral strain during Australia’s nine-wicket win at The Gabba, where the hosts went 1-0 up in the series, with Hazlewood used for just 14 of 103 overs in England’s second inning. .
Fox Sports reported Sunday that Hazlewood dropped off his Australian teammates to fly home and will miss the day and night test in Adelaide, starting Thursday, and the news was subsequently confirmed.
Hazlewood’s physical condition was called into question when he did not bowl during the afternoon session on the third day in Brisbane, even though Joe Root and Dawid Malan made a great partnership on third ground, although batsman Marnus Labuschagne told reporters after the close of the game Hazlewood was “fine”.
He threw six overs again the next morning, finishing 1-32, and captain Pat Cummins admitted his running back was “a little sore” after Australia closed out the win.
“The key is that we don’t want to put him in danger for the entire series, so we’ll take our time,” Cummins added of Hazlewood’s fitness.
“It is a series of five tests and he is important to us, we did not want to take him out of the water on the third day.”
Cricket Australia confirmed that a decision will be made in due course on Hazlewood’s availability for the Boxing Day event.
Capless Michael Neser was put into consideration for an Australian debut after taking five wickets for Australia A against the England Lions, although former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has endorsed Jhye Richardson for the second round.
“Obviously Richardson came very close to playing this Test for Starc and he’s in great shape,” Pointing said.
“When the ball is not rocking or closing, I would have you ahead of Neser when it comes to a complete bowling package.
“Obviously Neser thrives on the swing and joint conditions that he gets at The Gabba, and he could get it at some point in Adelaide, but I still think Richardson gets the nod.”
