In a major blow to Australia just days before the World Test Championship (WTC) final, they will be without their star pacer Josh Hazlewood because of his recurring Achilles and side issue. He was a part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season but returned home early to get himself fit in time for the WTC final against India at the Oval from Juna 7-11.
He has been replaced by Michael Neser, who has played two Tests for Australia, his second coming in December 2022.
Hazlewood played only three matches in the recently concluded IPL 2023, having missed the start and the end of the season. He has been plagued with injuries and has played four of the last 19 Tests for India. He also missed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India and is in a race against time to get fit enough for the Ashes.
Meanwhile, his replacement Neser has been in good form for Glamorgan in the Country Championship, with the 33-year-old taking 19 wickets in five matches. He even managed to score a century against Sussex during his most recent Division Two contest, where his Australian teammate Steve Smith.
The right-arm pacer has played just two Tests during his career but might be asked to partner skipper Pat Cummins and fellow pacer Mitchell Starc for the WTC final.
The other pacer in the squad is 34-year-old Scott Boland, who has played seven Tests for Australia. He has taken 28 wickets at an imposing average of 13.42.
It is hoped Hazlewood will be available for selection for the first Ashes Test in Birmingham from June 16.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
'He is a future superstar of world cricket': Wasim Akram makes a huge prediction on young Indian batter
WTC Final: Team India's record at Kennington Oval paints a grave picture, but there is light at the end of the tunnel
