Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out Of Adelaide Test Against India; Australia Names Replacements

The Australian cricket team faces a significant challenge ahead of the second Test against India in Adelaide. Reports indicate that Josh Hazlewood, a key pacer for Australia, has been sidelined due to an injury. This development is a major blow for the team as they prepare for this crucial match.

Cricket Australia has confirmed that Hazlewood will miss the game because of a 'low-grade' side injury. Despite his absence from the upcoming Test, he will stay with the squad to get ready for the rest of the five-match series. "Hazlewood will remain with the group in Adelaide to prepare for the remainder of the series," stated an official announcement.

In response to Hazlewood's injury, Australia has named Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett as replacements for the Adelaide Test. Although both players have joined the squad, Scott Boland is expected to step in for Hazlewood in this day-night encounter.

Scott Boland, who last represented Australia during the 2022 Ashes series in England, has been outstanding in domestic cricket. The Victorian bowler has taken 28 wickets at an average of 12.21 across six Tests played on home soil. His performance in pink-ball matches is particularly impressive, with an average of just 13.71, making him a crucial addition for this Test.

Brendan Doggett remains eager for his international debut despite being called up during the 2018 series against Pakistan in the UAE. Meanwhile, Sean Abbott continues his quest for a Test cap. The New South Wales all-rounder has been part of squads during both the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the 2023 Ashes but hasn't yet played a Test match.

Abbott has extensive experience in limited-overs cricket, having played 26 ODIs and 20 T20Is. He was instrumental in Australia's World Cup victory in India last year. The second Test match in Adelaide is scheduled to start on Friday, December 6th. Following their dominant win in Perth, India leads the series 1-0.