Australia's fast-bowling unit has been dealt a significant blow as Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Test match of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India due to a side strain. Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett have been added to the squad. However, Scott Boland is likely to replace Hazlewood in the XI.
According to a Cricket Australia statement, Hazlewood suffered a “low grade left side injury” and he would continue to be with the squad during his recovery. Boland, meanwhile, will be part of two-day warm-up game for the Prime Minister XI.
The injury comes at a crucial juncture, with Australia trailing the five-match series 0-1. Hazlewood's absence will undoubtedly add pressure on Australia’s pace attack, but the team would be optimistic about their depth in fast bowling with the availability of veterans Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. The pink-ball, day-night fixture, is set to begin on December 6 in Adelaide.