Josh Hazlewood’s participation in the remaining days of the Gabba Test is uncertain due to calf soreness. He bowled only one over before leaving the field on day four.
Hazlewood’s entry onto the field was delayed at the start of play. His bowling appeared laboured, with speeds barely reaching 131kph. His first ball was a wide long hop, readily dispatched by KL Rahul.
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During the subsequent drinks break, Hazlewood engaged in a discussion with skipper Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, and physio Nick Jones. Shortly after, he exited the field.
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“Josh Hazlewood reported calf awareness in this morning’s warm-up,” a CA spokesperson said. “He will be taken for scans to assess the injury.”
Australia, aiming for victory amidst intermittent rain delays, may need to rely heavily on Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon. Support from Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne will also be crucial.
Enforcing the follow-on offers the best chance of victory for Australia. However, this strategy could strain Starc and Cummins, especially if Hazlewood’s absence continues.
Hazlewood’s return to the side for this Test followed his recovery from a side strain that sidelined him in Adelaide for the second Test. A significant injury could pave the way once again for Scott Boland’s return at the MCG on Boxing Day. That venue holds special significance for Boland, where he achieved a memorable 6 for 7 on debut against England in 2021-22.
Cummins had previously hinted at Boland’s potential involvement in the series.
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“[We told him] it’s about preparing for the MCG because there’s a good chance we might need you,” he said.
“History suggests there’s always some form of natural attrition throughout a Test series. A good thing [is], he’s probably played a Test earlier in the series than he maybe thought. Showed that his standard’s still super high. [It’s] about trying to set him up for the last two Test matches.”
Earlier in the year, Hazlewood experienced a mild calf strain. This injury prevented him from participating in T20Is against Scotland and England.
Between the Adelaide and Brisbane Tests, Hazlewood expressed his frustration with the side strain. He revealed that the medical staff were exploring long-term solutions.
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“It’s not necessarily your typical side strain, which I’ve had a couple in my career,” he said.
“You’re running into bowl and you just grab your hat and you’re off and you’re out for six weeks. It’s not that sort of side strain. It’s from sort of repetitive use. It’s caused me a lot of trouble over the last few years, but [had] perfect prep this year, and played the Shield game and ticked all that off.”
“I was very happy where I was and it still happened. So I was pretty annoyed there for a few days. There was plenty of meetings from CA’s point of view [with] physios, doctors, all that stuff. So come up with a few options and see if we can stop it from happening again.”
