Josh Hazlewood Likely to Miss SL vs AUS Test Series 2025 Due to Calf Injury: Report
It also said selectors will also pick a white-ball squad for the Champions Trophy, which takes place in Pakistan and the UAE between February 19 and March 9. Hazlewood's absence adds to the unavailability of captain Pat Cummins, leaving Australia's pace attack notably weakened.
Mumbai, January 7: Australia have faced a major setback ahead of their two-Test series against Sri Lanka, starting January 29, as senior pacer Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss the tour due to a recurring calf injury and side strain. Hazlewood injured his calf during the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India and subsequently missed the next two Test of the series. Most Runs in Border-Gavaskar Trophy Batting at Five or Lower: From Michael Clarke to Travis Head, Check Full List.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald report, Hazlewood is unlikely to play the red ball matches in Sri Lanka, and selectors will meet on Wednesday to finalise their squad, which could include up to 16 players for the Test component. An announcement is expected on Thursday.
It also said selectors will also pick a white-ball squad for the Champions Trophy, which takes place in Pakistan and the UAE between February 19 and March 9. Hazlewood's absence adds to the unavailability of captain Pat Cummins, leaving Australia's pace attack notably weakened.
With the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa in June and the Ashes series on the horizon, the selectors are prioritising Hazlewood's long-term fitness. Australian Test Players Set To Bolster Big Bash League Clubs After Historic BGT 2024–25 Triumph.
Sri Lankan conditions are expected to heavily favour spin, placing considerable responsibility on Nathan Lyon, who delivered an impressive 64 overs during Australia’s last Test in Galle three years ago. Selectors are also considering off-spinner Todd Murphy and left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann as backup options for Lyon.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 07, 2025 03:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).