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Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood left the field early on Day 4 of the third Test at The Gabba, Brisbane. Hazlewood, who missed the the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval, felt discomfort in his calf while bowling his first over of the day. He bowled one over despite complaining of discomfort in his calf during the warm-up. After talking to skipper Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald, he left the venue and was taken for scans. The extent of his injury is yet to be revealed.
During the drinks break, Fox Cricket asked Nathan Lyon an update on Hazlewood's injury. Lyon said that Hazlewood's side 'was all good'. However, he was not in discussions with the team during the short break.
Hazlewood struggles to bowl one over
Hazlewood bowled just one over on Day 4 and conceded five runs excluding one byes. He was welcomed by KL Rahul with a boundary as the pacer pitched it short and wide which is very unlikely of him. After the first ball itself, former England captain Michael Vaughan said that Hazlewood is struggling with an injury.
Australia short of one frontline pacer
Hazlewood is unlikely to bowl on Day 4. In his absence, Mitchell Marsh was introduced into the attack early in the innings. It is a major setback for Australia as they need to bowl out India twice to win the third Test. It will be an uphill task for them with just three pacers in the ranks including Marsh. At some point, even Marnus Labuschagne can be handed the ball to give his fast bowlers a breather.
Injury resurfaces?
Hazlewood suffered a similary injury earlier this year when he opted out of the Scotland tour. In the Adelaide Test, he was replaced by Scott Boland who picked crucial wickets and helped hosts win by 10 wickets to level the series.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
