Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood is unlikely to recover in time for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Hazlewood sustained an injury during the Border-Gavaskar series, forcing him to miss most of the five-match contest, including key games in Melbourne and Sydney.
As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian selectors are cautious about rushing Hazlewood back, given the team’s strong pace-bowling depth, the conditions in Sri Lanka, and their qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC). This approach allows the bowler ample time for a full recovery.
Hazlewood’s absence has been well-managed, with Scott Boland stepping in seamlessly. Boland delivered standout performances in the Border-Gavaskar series, including a remarkable ten-wicket haul in the Sydney finale, solidifying his place in the squad.
Skipper Pat Cummins will miss the Sri Lanka tour for the birth of his child, leaving Mitchell Starc to lead a makeshift bowling attack. In-form Scott Boland, along with Sean Abbott and Jhye Richardson from the Border-Gavaskar reserves, could bolster the pace lineup.
Josh Hazlewood’s absence extends to the 2024-25 BBL, where he joins Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, and Mitchell Starc on the unavailable list.
Australia is expected to announce their squad for the Sri Lanka series on January 8
The Australian selection panel, headed by chairman George Bailey, is set to convene on Tuesday, January 7, to finalize the squads for the Test series against Sri Lanka and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Australia’s last series victory in Sri Lanka came in 2011-12, where they clinched a 1-0 win in a three-match contest. Since then, they endured a 0-3 whitewash in 2016 and managed a 1-1 draw in 2022.
Possible Test squad for Sri Lanka (via Sydney Morning Herald): Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Travis Head, Nathan McSweeney, Peter Handscomb, Beau Webster, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann, Alex Carey, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Jhye Richardson.
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