BGT 2024-25: Josh Hazlewood ruled out of 2nd test due to side strain, Australia add two uncapped pacers to their squad

Josh Hazlewood took five wickets in the first test of BGT 2024-25.

Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the upcoming second test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 with a side strain. Hazlewood was Australia’s best bowler in their disappointing first test at Perth, finishing with bowling figures of 5/57.

Remarkably, last summer against Pakistan, West Indies and New Zealand, Australia got through all seven tests with an unchanged bowling attack and last week’s Perth test marked the 10th consecutive outing where Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc had lined up together.

The Adelaide test will mark the first instance since last year’s Ashes test at Headingley that Josh Hazlewood will miss a test.

Scott Boland, known for his impressive record at home with 28 wickets at an average of 12.21 from six tests, is expected to replace Hazlewood in the playing XI in Adelaide. Boland last played a test match for Australia during Ashes 2023 in Leeds, where he had come in as a replacement for Hazlewood.

Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett to join Australia’s squad

Australia have roped in uncapped pacers Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett for the Adelaide test. Abbott has been a mainstay in Australia’s white-ball squad whereas Doggett has been called up following his impressive performance for Australia A against India A, where he claimed career-best figures of 6/15.

Earlier, Beau Webster also received his maiden test call-up as a cover for Mitchell Marsh, who is under observation after soreness post the Perth test. Meanwhile, Boland is part of the Prime Minister’s XI which will take on India in a two-day match practice match from November 30 in Canberra.

Australia will be begin training in Adelaide on Monday, a day earlier than originally scheduled. The hosts will hope for a better batting performance than Perth if they have to stay competitive in the series.

Australia squad for second BGT test: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.