AUS vs IND 2024-25: Josh Hazlewood likely to miss rest of series with calf strain

Australia’s hopes of maintaining their momentum in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have been impacted by a huge blow as veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss the remainder of the Test series against India. Hazlewood suffered a calf strain during warm-up on the fourth day of the third Test in Brisbane, and scans have confirmed the seriousness of the injury.

Hazlewood’s latest injury setback comes just after he made his return to the playing XI, having missed the second Test in Adelaide due to a side strain. Australia’s risk to bring Hazlewood back into the XI appears to have backfired as the pacer could bowl only one over on Day 4 at the Gabba before limping off the field. Hazlewood picked a crucial wicket of Virat Kohli on Day 3 but looked far from his best on the morning of Day 4. 

"Josh Hazlewood has sustained a right sided calf strain which will prevent him from playing any further part in Test match against India in Brisbane. He sustained the injury during the warm-up this morning and after bowling one over was unable to continue. He is likely to miss the remainder of the Test series. A squad replacement will be made in due course," a CA statement said.

Also Read: WATCH: Harbhajan Singh attends optional net practice of Virat Kohli and Gill amid ongoing Brisbane Test

It's about preparing for the MCG: Pat Cummins

Hazlewood’s absence opens the door for Scott Boland to make his return to the side for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Boland, who had stepped up during Hazlewood’s absence in the pink-ball Test, will be remembered for his heroics at the same venue in 2021-22 when he claimed a stunning 6 for 7 on debut against England. Australia captain Pat Cummins had already hinted at Boland’s potential return.

"[We told him] it's about preparing for the MCG because there's a good chance we might need you. History suggests there's always some form of natural attrition throughout a Test series. A good thing [is], he's probably played a Test earlier in the series than he maybe thought. Showed that his standard are still super high. [It's] about trying to set him up for the last two Test matches," Cummins said.

Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott are also in the mix as potential replacements. However, the burden will largely fall on Cummins and Mitchell Starc to lead the attack, alongside Nathan Lyon’s spin and part-time support from Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne.

Since the 2021-22 Ashes, Hazelwood has missed 18 of Australia’s last 35 Tests due to various injuries, with calf and side strains being particularly constant issues. Earlier this year, Hazlewood had also been sidelined during the T20Is against Scotland and England with a similar calf complaint. Speaking between the Adelaide and Brisbane Tests, Hazlewood reflected on the frustration of his side injuries, noting their repetitive nature and the challenge of finding long-term solutions.

Australia’s push for victory in the rain-affected Brisbane Test now rests heavily on Cummins and Starc.