Australia’s quest to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy faced a setback as fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the second Test against India due to a side strain. The injury, while not considered serious, has disrupted Australia’s plans for the day-night Test in Adelaide. Hazlewood will stay with the squad in the hope of being fit for the third Test in Brisbane.
The absence of Hazlewood is a significant blow to Australia’s bowling attack. He was the standout bowler in the opening Test in Perth, dismissing Virat Kohli in the first innings and finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 29. However, the lengthy spells he bowled in the second innings, as India batted for five sessions, appear to have taken a toll. This latest setback adds to the challenges for Hazlewood, who has had a history of side injuries and a string of fitness issues over the past two years. While he managed to play consistently through 2023, his workload is being carefully managed.
In response to Hazlewood’s unavailability, Scott Boland is expected to step into the playing XI in Adelaide. Boland, a seasoned campaigner, has been recovering from a foot injury but recently returned to first-class cricket. His last Test appearance was during the Ashes series in England, where he faced a deliberate and aggressive batting approach from the opposition. Boland’s inclusion would bolster Australia’s bowling attack with his disciplined line and length, making him a key player in the upcoming fixture.
Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett have also been called into the Test squad as cover. Abbott has consistently been on the fringes of the national team and has performed well in the domestic circuit this season, taking 13 wickets at an average of 19.84 in the Sheffield Shield. Doggett’s inclusion is noteworthy, especially following his impressive performance for Australia A against India A, where he took six wickets for just 15 runs. Despite being part of the Test squad for a series against Pakistan in 2018, Doggett is yet to make his Test debut. His recent form could see him play a pivotal role later in the series.
The injury concerns extend beyond Hazlewood, with Mitch Marsh also under an injury cloud due to a sore ankle. Marsh’s fitness remains uncertain, prompting the addition of Beau Webster to the squad as cover. Webster, a versatile all-rounder, has made a strong case for inclusion and could potentially debut if Marsh is unable to recover in time. Even if Marsh plays in Adelaide, Webster might feature in the Brisbane Test due to the short three-day gap between matches and lingering doubts about Marsh’s ability to sustain back-to-back games.
Australia’s bowling attack will face a challenging task against a formidable Indian batting lineup. The team’s ability to regroup and maintain their intensity will be crucial as they aim to level the series. The inclusion of fresh faces like Abbott and Doggett provides opportunities for new players to shine, while the return of Boland adds experience to the pace department.
The team’s resilience will be tested as they navigate injuries and a packed schedule. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at stake, Australia will need to adapt swiftly and extract the best from their available resources. The Adelaide Test represents a critical juncture in the series, and the team will be determined to overcome these setbacks to keep their hopes alive.
