Australia’s fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Test against India due to a “low-grade left side injury.” The second Test, which will be a pink-ball day-night encounter, is scheduled to begin on December 6, 2024, in Adelaide. Hazlewood’s absence comes as a significant blow to the Australian squad, as he was one of the standout performers in the first Test against India.
To fill the gap left by Hazlewood, Australia has added uncapped pacers Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett to the squad as cover. Both Abbott and Doggett have impressed with their performances in this year’s Sheffield Shield, earning their place in the squad. Additionally, 35-year-old Scott Boland, a right-arm pacer, remains in the squad as a backup option.
Hazlewood’s injury marks the first Test he will miss since the 2023 Ashes series in Headingley, and notably, it is also the first home Test against India that he will not participate in. Hazlewood had been in stellar form in the first Test in Perth, where he delivered a match-winning performance with figures of 5 for 57 in 34 overs, including four wickets in India’s first innings. His brilliant spell played a key role in dismissing India for just 150 runs, making him one of Australia’s most valuable bowlers in the series.
India currently leads the five-match Test series 1-0 after a dominant 295-run victory in the opening Test. The second Test in Adelaide will be a crucial fixture for Australia as they look to level the series. Hazlewood’s absence places extra pressure on the remaining bowlers, including Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, to step up in the high-stakes match. With a day-night format that traditionally favours fast bowlers, Australia’s attack will need to adapt quickly to maintain competitiveness. The day-night Test promises to be an exciting contest between the two cricketing giants, with both teams eager to seize the momentum.
