On the fourth day of the third Test match between India and Australia in Brisbane, Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was seen delivering a stunning batting performance. In the 68th over of the game, Bumrah hit a huge six off Australian skipper Pat Cummins. Bumrah plays this one beautifully; it’s a back-of-the-length ball into the leg stump, but he pulls this over long leg for a six. That leaves Cummins pretty visibly frustrated as Bumrah’s confident stroke helped India avoid the follow-on.
The good shot Bumrah played showcased the excellent stand that he had developed with Akash Deep for the final wicket. Both their knocks helped India stay there till the end of the day’s play as bad light caused an early stumps call at the Gabba.
Josh Hazlewood suffered a calf injury, likely to be ruled out for the remainder of the series.
Australia suffered a big blow as fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India due to a calf injury. Hazlewood suffered a right calf strain during the warm-up session on Tuesday morning before the match resumed on Day 4.
After bowling just one over in the first session, Hazlewood experienced discomfort and left the field with calf soreness. Medical scans later confirmed the strain, and it is now confirmed that the 33-year-old pacer will miss the remainder of the Test series. Cricket Australia issued an official statement confirming the injury and its implications.
Hazlewood Struggles with Injury Before Leaving the Field
At the beginning of play on Day 4, Hazlewood seemed to be struggling with his fitness, as his pace did not cross 131 km/h. He was consulted by team captain Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, and physio Nick Jones over a single over after bowling during the drinks break. Even after these discussions, Hazlewood left the field, indicating that his injury was too serious to continue.
The injury is a huge setback for the Australians, who will now have to play without one of their best pacers for the remaining matches of the series.
Cricket Australia to Make Replacement Announcement for Hazlewood
Cricket Australia has confirmed that a replacement player will be called up for the rest of the Test series following Hazlewood’s injury. The selection of a replacement will be made in due course, though no official announcement has been made yet. Hazlewood’s absence will create a gap in the Australian pace attack, which could have significant implications for the remaining matches.
Bumrah and Akash Deep Help India Avoid Follow-OnWhile Australia’s bowling attack was dealt a blow by the unexpected injury to Hazlewood, India’s Bumrah and Akash Deep helped the team avoid the follow-on. Their vital partnership allowed India to put up a decent score, which was critical in keeping the pressure on Australia. As the day’s play came to a close, the Indian tailenders had ensured that India stayed in the game, frustrating Australia’s bowlers and helping the team end the day without being forced to follow-on.
Hazlewood’s Injury Adds Pressure on Australia’s Bowling Attack
Josh Hazlewood’s injury has put a lot of pressure on the Australian bowling attack. Australia has fewer options with the loss of the experienced pacer to contain India’s batting lineup in his absence. The remaining games of the series are going to be without Josh Hazlewood, which means Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will need to take up the responsibility of Australia’s pace attack.
Effect of Josh Hazlewood’s Injury on the Current Test Series
Hazlewood’s injury is a big hit to the Australian team hopes in this Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Being one of the fastest bowlers for Australia, he will leave a significant absence in his team, which they need to compensate with other resources. The injury can shift the balance of the match and stress the other bowlers, who have to carry the momentum of their team. Being both tough teams, the loss will have a profound effect on the final score of the series.
