The Australian cricket team has been dealt a substantial setback as they prepare for their upcoming tour of Scotland, with star fast bowler Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to a calf injury.
Hazlewood picked up the injury during training sessions and will consequently miss the three-match T20 International (T20I) series scheduled for the tour.
In response to Hazlewood’s absence, the Australian selectors have opted to bring Riley Meredith back into the squad. Meredith, who last played for Australia in T20I cricket back in 2021, is set to make a comeback after a three-year hiatus.
His return is anticipated to provide a much-needed boost to the Australian bowling lineup as they look to adapt to the conditions in Scotland.
Hazlewood’s injury compounds Australia’s worries leading up to the tour. The team will also be without another crucial fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, for the Scotland series.
Starc’s unavailability, however, is expected to be temporary as he is anticipated to rejoin the squad for the ODI series against England that follows.
Meanwhile, Pat Cummins, the Test captain, will be absent from the entire UK tour. Cummins will take this opportunity to rest and prepare for the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the white-ball series against Pakistan, which will be crucial fixtures in the Australian cricket calendar.
With Cummins sidelined, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been appointed to lead the Australian team during the Scotland tour. Marsh’s leadership will be critical in guiding the squad through this period of adjustment and ensuring that the team remains competitive despite the notable absences.
The squad selected for the T20I series against Scotland features a mix of seasoned players and promising young talents. This combination aims to balance experience with fresh energy, providing Australia with a robust setup to tackle the challenges of the tour.
The team’s performance will be closely watched as they aim to overcome these challenges and maintain their competitive edge on the international stage.
