Josh Hazlewood’s Injury Woes Continue: Boland Set for Boxing Day Test Comeback
It’s another tough moment for Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood and his fans. After returning from a side strain, Hazlewood’s luck took another cruel turn during the fourth day of the Brisbane Test against India. A calf strain during warm-ups forced him off the field, and scans later confirmed the severity of the injury. Now, it looks like Hazlewood will miss the remainder of the Test series, leaving Australia to once again reshuffle their bowling attack.
For Hazlewood, who has fought his way back into the team after a string of injuries, this is a bitter blow. He looked out of rhythm early in the match, struggling to bowl with his usual pace and consistency. Barely managing speeds of 131kph, Hazlewood’s struggles were evident, and by the drinks break, a decision was made to take him off the field.
“He’s Pretty Despondent” – Inside Hazlewood’s Setback
Australia’s assistant coach, Daniel Vettori, shared insight into Hazlewood’s struggles:
“He felt it this morning during warm-ups and gave it a real crack. It’s just unfortunate for him—especially after all the effort he put in to recover from the side strain—to pick up a calf injury now. It’s really tough on him.”
For Hazlewood, the mental and physical toll of back-to-back injuries is clear. After missing the Adelaide Test, this latest setback means the team will have to move forward without one of their most experienced seamers.
Scott Boland Returns to the Spotlight
While Hazlewood’s injury is disappointing, it opens the door for Scott Boland to make his much-awaited return. The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is the perfect stage for Boland, who famously tore through England with figures of 6 for 7 on debut at the same venue during the 2021-22 Ashes.
Captain Pat Cummins had already hinted that Boland was in line for selection, saying:
“We told him it’s about preparing for the MCG because history suggests there’s always some form of natural attrition during a Test series. Boland showed in Adelaide that his standards remain incredibly high, and we’re looking to set him up for the last two Tests.”
With Australia’s pace attack already stretched, Boland’s reliability and experience on Australian pitches make him the obvious choice.
Australia’s Bowling Depth to the Rescue
Australia’s bowling unit has been tested this series. With frequent rain delays in Brisbane, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc shouldered heavy workloads, especially in Hazlewood’s absence. Yet, their efforts were not enough to enforce the follow-on as India’s last-wicket pair—Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep—held firm.
The team has solid back-up options ready to step in, including Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott, who were already part of the squad. However, with Boland’s proven success in the longer format, he remains the frontrunner to partner Cummins and Starc for the rest of the series.
Hazlewood’s Injury Troubles: A Recurring Challenge
Unfortunately, injuries have been a recurring theme for Josh Hazlewood in recent years. This calf strain is his second of the year, following a similar issue that kept him out of Australia’s T20 matches against Scotland and England earlier this season.
While Hazlewood remains one of Australia’s most skillful bowlers, the numbers highlight his recent struggles:
- He has missed 18 of Australia’s last 35 Tests since the 2021-22 Ashes.
- A combination of injuries and tactical omissions on spin-friendly subcontinent pitches has limited his involvement.
Still, when fit, Hazlewood remains a key part of Australia’s pace trio. His discipline, line, and length make him irreplaceable on many occasions.
What’s Next for Hazlewood?
With the Test series against India slipping away, Hazlewood’s next opportunity to don the Baggy Green might come on Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka in late January. However, conditions there may favor spinners, which could mean Hazlewood will need to wait for the right opportunity.
Another key target will be the World Test Championship Final in June—if Australia qualifies—followed by a three-match series against the West Indies later in the year.
Boland’s Moment to Shine at the MCG
While Hazlewood focuses on recovery, the spotlight now turns to Scott Boland. His return to the MCG brings back memories of his Ashes heroics, where he etched his name in Australian cricketing folklore. For Boland, it’s another opportunity to remind everyone why he is such a valuable asset to the team.
Australia may have lost a warrior in Hazlewood for now, but with Boland stepping up, the pace attack remains as potent as ever.
Conclusion: A Tough Break for Hazlewood, A Golden Chance for Boland
Injuries are part and parcel of a cricketer’s career, but for Josh Hazlewood, the timing couldn’t be worse. Just as he was getting back to his best, another setback will see him miss the rest of this crucial series.
However, Australia’s depth ensures that they remain competitive. Scott Boland’s return for the Boxing Day Test is a silver lining, and fans will eagerly anticipate his performance at the iconic MCG. As for Hazlewood, we can only hope for a swift recovery and a triumphant comeback in the near future.
FAQs
1. What injury did Josh Hazlewood suffer?
Josh Hazlewood suffered a calf strain during warm-ups on the fourth day of the Brisbane Test against India.
2. Will Hazlewood miss the rest of the series?
Yes, Hazlewood is expected to miss the remainder of the Test series due to the severity of the injury.
3. Who is likely to replace Hazlewood?
Scott Boland is the frontrunner to replace Hazlewood for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
4. How has Hazlewood’s injury record been recently?
Hazlewood has struggled with injuries, missing 18 of Australia’s last 35 Tests due to recurring issues.
5. When can we expect Hazlewood to return?
Hazlewood’s next opportunity may come during Australia’s Test series in Sri Lanka in January, though conditions may favor spinners.