‘Just frustrating really that…’ – Josh Hazlewood left upset after being ruled out of India series due to injury, provides update on return

Australian star pacer Josh Hazlewood has expressed his frustration after an injury ruled him out of the India series. The 33-year-old missed the Adelaide Test due to side strain and then came back for the Brisbane Test match. Hazlewood just bowled one over during the 4th day of the game before walking off the park. 

Speaking to 7 NEWS, the Aussie pacer said, “Just frustrating really, ticked every box heading into the Test, I could understand if it was my side again, but it was just a random calf strain. Obviously, do a deep dive into it and see what we can come up with. Feels pretty random.” 

‘I’ve had a little history of sides and calves’: Aussie fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has told @tom_wilson7 he is devastated to miss out on next week’s bumper Boxing Day Test after suffering a series-ending calf injury. @7cricket#AUSvIND#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/oP1001fkRi

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) December 19, 2024

Scott Boland is expected to take his place in the playing XI after making an impressive comeback during the Adelaide Test. During the Brisbane Test, Hazlewood got the wicket of Virat for three runs before injury issues resurfaced. With two more games to go, it is a huge blow for the home team. 

Josh Hazlewood is hopeful of comeback during Sri Lanka tour

Injuries aren’t new for Josh Hazlewood; he has been in and out of cricket due to variety of issues. With the latest injury, Australia are left with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins as the two lead pacers of the team. The bulk of bowling as the third seamer will fall on the shoulders of Scott Boland, with Nathan Lyon heading the spin attack. 

Hazlewood also said, “I’ve had a history of sides and calves; they’re probably the two things that have kept me out for the majority over the last four years. But yeah, I sort of just keep adding another layer to the defence; hopefully, get back into the gym, I’ve ticked a lot of boxes in the last 12 months.”

“It’s just the timing again; they are only little 2-3 week injuries; it’s just the timing of it, and missing big games is the frustrating thing,” further added the veteran pacer. After the home series against India, the next assignment is the two-test tour of Sri Lanka. This series will conclude Australia’s WTC current cycle. 

The pacer, when asked about his chances for the Lankan tour, replied, “That’s probably the goal; just take it as it comes over the next few weeks. No rush to get anything in a hurry; it’s just getting everything right. Probably the next few days here and there. Ticking things off and getting everything right.”