AUS vs WI: Pat Cummins lauds Josh Hazlewood, provides update on Usman Khawaja

Ace pacer Josh Hazlewood demolished West Indies’ batting unit in both innings of the first Test in Adelaide as the visitors posted 188 and 120 runs respectively. Hazlewood managed to pick up a four-wicket haul in the first innings while picking up a five-for in the second as the hosts picked up a comfortable 10-wicket win over the Kraigg Brathwaite-led side. His brilliance with the ball was later appreciated by skipper Pat Cummins, who spoke about the importance of having him in the mix.

Cummins mentioned that the cricketer was unlucky to miss a couple of key series due to injuries in the last couple of years but has returned back to his best. He added that as a captain it’s a pretty easy decision for him to hand over the ball to Hazlewood as the pacer has the calibre to pick wickets with both new and old ball.

“He just had some injuries at the wrong time over the last couple of years and missed a couple of key series but he’s back to the Joshy that we all know. Just shows his worth to the team. With the new ball, he can strike early and have two or three down before you know it. Right-handers, left-handers, basically in all conditions, he finds a way. As a captain, it’s pretty easy to give him the ball knowing that he will go to work,” Cummins said in the post-match press conference.

On the other hand, star opener Usman Khawaja had to leave the field on Day 3 after Shamar Joseph’s vicious bouncer hit his chin. The southpaw left the field immediately and is likely to miss the second Test of the series at The Gabba. Sharing an update on his injury, Cummins mentioned that the cricketer seems okay but has a sore jaw.

“He seems okay, just a little bit of sour jaw. He is being monitored,” the skipper mentioned.

The 30-year-old also added that the pacers are planning to play all the remaining Test matches of the Australia summer. They have played four Tests so far and are working hard in the nets to play the remaining three as well.