AUS vs IND 2024-25: Josh Hazlewood taken for scans after bowling one over on Day 4

Australian players and fans will have their hearts in their mouths as ace speedster Josh Hazlewood was taken for scans on Tuesday, December 17, during the first session on Day 4 of the Brisbane Test.

Hazlewood replaced Mitchell Starc in the attack as he bowled the 27th over on Tuesday. The right-arm seamer conceded five runs in the over before Mitchell Marsh replaced him. An Australian team spokesperson said he was suffering from "calf awareness" and would be taken for scans as soon as possible to gauge the extent of the injury. After the unfortunate turn of events, Hazlewood's participation in the remainder of the third Test match at the historic Gabba becomes highly doubtful.

Hazlewood had discussions with medical staff and head coach Andrew McDonald before the match and seemed to be moving gingerly when he was given the ball on Tuesday morning. His first delivery was noticeably short, wide, and clocked at just 128kph.

After completing the solitary over, Hazlewood had a chat with captain Pat Cummins, vice-captain Steve Smith, and physiotherapist Nick Jones during the drinks break that followed.

Having missed the Adelaide Test due to a side injury, Australia had asserted that Hazlewood was fit to play in the Brizzie. He showed no apparent signs of discomfort when he bowled five overs on a rain-affected Day 3, even bagging the prized scalp of Virat Kohli.

Also Watch: Rohit Sharma's misery with bat continues in Brisbane

However, he could only bowl one more over on the fourth day before leaving the field. Nathan Lyon, while speaking to Fox Cricket during the drinks interval, mentioned that Hazlewood's side “was all good,” but clarified that he hadn't had a discussion with him during the break.

Australia on verge of taking huge lead over India in third Test

Team India lost the wickets of captain Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul in the first session on Day 4. Hazlewood might be out of the attack but Australia have enough runs on the board to go for the jugular against India. The onus will be on the all-rounder duo of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja to take the tourists past the 245-run mark to avoid following on.