Australian paceman Josh Hazlewood's latest injury setback has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, particularly amid Australia's attempts to secure victory against India at the Gabba. This injury, categorized as calf awareness according to Cricket Australia, surfaced during the morning warm-up on day four of the Third Test, forcing Hazlewood out of the match and potentially putting his participation in the upcoming Boxing Day Test against India at risk.
Having made his return to the Test side after missing the previous match due to a side strain, Hazlewood only managed to bowl one over before experiencing discomfort. His over wasn’t just low on pace but also led to immediate concerns during the first drinks break when Hazlewood was seen conversing with captain Pat Cummins, vice-captain Steve Smith, and team physiotherapist Nick Jones.
Sky Sports' Isa Guha noted during their coverage, "He reported calf awareness during the warm-up this morning, and he will be taken for scans to assess the injury." This situation has sparked discussions about the Australian team's decision to recall Hazlewood, especially considering he had already missed significant playing time earlier due to his side issue.
Initially deemed fit for the test after successfully completing warm-up bowling sessions, Hazlewood bowled five overs on the rain-interrupted third day, even claiming the esteemed wicket of Indian star Virat Kohli. His performance, which seemed promising, made his sudden exit on day four all the more disheartening. Commentators and fans had high hopes for Hazlewood as one of Australia’s most reliable fast bowlers, but this recurring injury saga continues to overshadow his contributions.
Without Hazlewood, Australia faces significant difficulties. The team's inability to call upon their spearhead bowler might lead to strategic changes. Earlier speculation about enforcing the follow-on to maintain pressure on the Indian team looks more uncertain now, leaving Australia's chances to dictate the match situation hanging by a thread as they await Hazlewood's scan results.
Australian cricket has witnessed Hazlewood’s impressive contributions over the years, particularly highlighted by his stellar bowling figures of 5-57 during the first test of the series. Yet, his physical limitation has curtailed his participation significantly; he has only featured in 16 of Australia's last 34 Tests due to previous injuries ranging from side strains to Achilles and calf issues.
Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan voiced concerns about Hazlewood's right intensity, noting on Fox Cricket, "We have all seen enough bowlers over the years to know Hazlewood is not right. His pace is down. He has clearly got some kind of issue." Many insiders had suggested Hazlewood should not have risked playing if he was uncertain of his fitness, hinting at the upcoming Boxing Day Test's importance to both teams.
Hazlewood’s history of injuries prompted the Australian staff to be vigilant when he reported any signs of discomfort. Team officials have emphasized the need for players to be fully fit before competing, as noted during discussions about adapting workloads during previous matches.
Scott Boland, who showcased his talent by taking five wickets during Hazlewood's absence, is poised to step back onto the field should Hazlewood be unavailable for the upcoming game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Boland’s track record at the MCG, where he has excelled as part of the team, strengthens Australia’s bowling options.
Looking back, Hazlewood expressed prior to the Gabba Test his determination to return fit, stating he had been hopeful about his preparation and training. He had previously made it clear he wanted to be cautious, saying, "I think if this was the last Test of the summer, I could have potentially run the gauntlet and played. But it just wasn’t quite right." This level of foresight points to his experience with injuries and awareness of their potential long-term impact on his career.
The cricket community continues to rally around Hazlewood as he faces yet another challenging moment off the field. Speculation is rampant about whether he might have been prematurely rushed back, particularly with Boland waiting on the sidelines with impressive performance credentials.
While the immediate focus is on Hazlewood's condition, which Cricket Australia confirmed is under medical scrutiny, discussions surrounding Australian cricket's squad depth and injury management are sure to continue.
The Gabba clash was seen as pivotal for both teams, with Australia needing every available player to keep the pressure on India as they aim for series supremacy. Unfortunately, Hazlewood’s situation complicates matters greatly.
The next few days will be telling, not only for Hazlewood's future participation but for Australia’s strategy going forward. Regardless of the outcomes, the burden falls on the medical team to provide clarity as his recovery becomes the priority.
With the stakes high and the competition fierce, questions remain about how Australia will adjust their plans without Hazlewood and whether Scott Boland can fill the significant void left by one of their ace bowlers. Will Hazlewood recover swiftly enough to assist Australia against India on Boxing Day? Only time will tell as the team braces for the potential absence of its key bowler.
