Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Adelaide Test; Sean Abbott, Brendan Doggett added to squad

As Australia and India gear up to face off in the second Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, in a major development for the hosts, it was announced that ace pacer Josh Hazlewood will miss the second Test of the series due to a side strain. 

After Hazlewood’s exclusion, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett have been added to the squad despite being uncapped. However, Scott Boland is expected to be Hazlewood’s replacement for the second Test. 

According to a release by Cricket Australia, Hazlewood sustained a "low grade left side injury,” and he would remain in the squad in Adelaide as he works through his recovery. 

It is worth noting that Hazlewood put in a good performance in the first Test of the series. He played a major role in bundling India out for just 150 runs in the first innings, taking four wickets in the first innings. Furthermore, he took another wicket in the second innings, but could not help his side win the clash. 

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Furthermore, if Boland makes the XI in place of Hazlewood, it would be his first Test for Australia since the time he came on for Hazlewood during the Ashes in Leeds. Boland, who boasts an excellent record at home, will hope to put in a good showing as Australia looks to level the series. 

For the second Test, the Aussies will begin their training in Adelaide on Monday, December 2. The Indian team is due to play a two-day game against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday. Boland is a part of the PM’s XI, as he hopes to put in some overs and practice ahead of the big game from Friday, December 6. 

Having lost the first Test, Australia will be hoping to improve drastically and level the playing field. Both sides lock horns in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval in a Day/Night encounter.