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Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled🀅 out of th♛e ongoing third Test against India due to calf injury.
Injury forces Josh Hazlewood’s early exit
The unexpected development came after Hazlewood managed to bowl just one over on Day 4 at the Gabba, raising immediate concerns about his availability for the remainder of the five-match s🃏eries.
Hazlewood was visibly uncomfortable, grimacing and favouring his calf before deciding to leave the field for further medical evaluati♋on. According to the Australia media reports, Hazlewood reported the issue during the morning warm-up session. This sparked speculations about whether the injury is a recurrence of a previous side strain or an entirely new setback.
The absence of Hazlewood, one of Australia’s premier bowlers, leaves the hosts a bowler short in the remaining match. To keep India under pressure, Australia might need𝐆 a significant reshuffle and have to compensate for the missing firepower in their bowling lineup.
Concerns over Hazlewood’s fitness
Hazlewood’s exit is particularly concerning given his recurring history of injuries, including side strains and other fitness issues that have often kept him off the field. The decision to include him in the playing XI, despite ongoing scrutiny over his fitness, has now come under question. Critics and analysts have pointed out that Australia might have opted for a fully fit alternative like Scott Boland to avoid such mid-match complications.
The Australian management now awaits the results of Hazlewood’s scans to assess the extent of the injury. Should the fast bowler face an extended recovery period, it could deliver a serious blow to Australia’s bowling attack for the remainder of the series. This would prove even more challenging if India builds a strong lead or forces strategic plays like enforcing the follow-on.
Also WATCH: Rohit Sha𝓡rma taunts Akash Deep in frustration during Day 3 of the Brisbane Test
Fans react as Australia faces strategic challenge
Hazlewood’s injury has caused a stir on social media, with fans expressing concern for the bowler’s well-being while also speculating on its impact on Australia’s performance. The loss of an experienced pacer could tilt the balance in India’s favour, especially on a Brisbane pitch that traditionally supports the fast bowlers.
From CA: Josh Hazlewood reported calf awareness in thisཧ morning’s warmup. He will be taken for scans to assess the injury. Any updates will be shared in due course.
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_Meadows)
Josh Hazlewood's injury concerns over the last two years:
Achilles – missed 4 Tests
Side strain – missed 4 Tests
Calf – missed 3 T20Is— Tom Morris (@tommorris32)
Further updates on Hazlewood’s condition are expected to be released by the team management soon.
