Pacer Josh Hazlewood ruled out, Australia receive jolt ahead of Pink Ball Test

Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Pink Ball Test. Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

#India, #Australia, #JoshHazlewood, #PinkBallTest

IBNS-CMEDIA: Australia received a jolt ahead of the beginning of the Pink Ball Test with pacer Josh Hazlewood being ruled out due to a side strain.

His injury was described as a “low grade left side injury” in a Cricket Australia statement, and his further involvement in the rest of the series will also be in some doubt.

Australian selectors have called up two pacers as his cover.

Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett have both been added to the squad for the test that will be played in Adelaide.

It is believed that Scott Boland is likely to be his replacement.

If selected it would be Boland’s second Test match in Adelaide after playing against the West Indies in 2022 when he had match figures of 3-45, Cricket Australia website reported.

Boland will be leading the attack against India in the Prime Minister’s XI match.

The two-day match will be played under lights at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.

Abbott has been a regular part of the Australian limited overs squad.

He has played 26 ODIs and 20 T20Is since his international debut in October 2014.

He was previously included in Australia’s Test squad for the 2020-21 series against India, while he spent time with the squad as a reserve for last year’s Ashes during a stint playing for Surrey, read the Cricket Australia website.

India and Australia will five Tests in the ongoing series.

India began their tour with a bang by beating Australia by 295 runs in the first Test.