On Day 4 of the third Test match between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane, the Australian team faced a tough situation. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood had to leave the field after bowling just one over because he felt discomfort in his calf. An Australian team spokesperson said he needed scans to check how serious the injury was. This raises concerns about whether he can continue playing in the Test.
Before the match, Hazlewood talked with doctors and coach Andrew McDonald. However, he seemed to struggle when he bowled his first delivery, which was too short and clocked at 128 kilometers per hour. After finishing his over, he spoke with captain Pat Cummins, vice-captain Steve Smith, and physiotherapist Nick Jones during a drinks break.
There were worries about his fitness since he missed the previous Test due to a side injury. Australia had said he was ready to play, and he seemed fine when he bowled five overs on the rain-impacted third day, even getting the important wicket of Virat Kohli. But on the fourth day, he was only able to bowl one more over before leaving.
Nathan Lyon, speaking to the media during a break, mentioned that Hazlewood’s side was okay, although he hadn’t spoken to him directly during the break. Some former cricketers, including the famous Sunil Gavaskar, speculated that Hazlewood’s injury might have been a consequence of his comments about the batting performance after Australia lost the first Test.
Despite earlier doubts about Hazlewood’s ability to play, the Australian team chose to include him in the Brisbane Test, which paid off as he bowled effectively. In his limited overs, he gave away 22 runs and took the key wicket of ‘Chase Master’ Virat Kohli. With Hazlewood now uncertain to continue, Cummins will need to re-adjust his bowling strategy as India tries to recover in this Test.
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