Hazlewood Set to Miss Remainder of India Series Due to Calf Strain
Josh Hazlewood is set to miss the remainder of Australia's Test series against India after sustaining a calf strain during the fourth day of the Brisbane Test. Cricket Australia confirmed that the 33-year-old paceman will not return for the remainder of the Gabba Test either.
Hazlewood bowled just six overs in Australia's first innings and one over on Tuesday, struggling with discomfort after injuring his calf during the warm-ups. Despite briefly rejoining the action, Hazlewood's movement appeared restricted, and his bowling speeds were noticeably reduced. He walked off the field after completing his over. Subsequent scans confirmed a right calf strain, and Cricket Australia has announced he is "likely to miss the remainder of the Test series," with a squad replacement expected soon.
This injury adds to a growing list of setbacks for Hazlewood, who had already missed the pink-ball Test in Adelaide due to a recurring side injury. Between December 2021 and June 2023, Hazlewood played only four Tests for Australia, missing several key matches due to side injuries, including the 2021-22 Ashes series and the World Test Championship final against India last year.
After passing a fitness test before the Adelaide Test, Hazlewood had been cleared to return for the Brisbane fixture by CA's medical staff. With this latest injury, Scott Boland, who impressed with match figures of 5 for 105 in Adelaide, is expected to be recalled for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
