Australia is currently playing a Test series in Bangladesh, and the first match is evenly poised for both the teams at stumps on Day 3. Australia needs another 156 runs with eight wickets in hand on a spin friendly pitch to register their second win in Asia in 2017.
However, the big news coming out from Mirpur is that Australia’s bowling spearhead Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the ongoing Test series and also of their tour of India in September due to a side strain, which he suffered during the first session on day three.
Australia, which is already without the services of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood’s absence from the tour will dent their hopes of a series victory for sure.
Josh Hazlewood walked out of the field early on Day 3. After he bowled the first delivery of his fourth over, a side strain made him limp and later saw him leaving the outfield.
Hazlewood has played 22 consecutive Tests before coming into this match. At the end of the third day, Hazlewood’s medical report suggested that he will not take any further part in Australia’s tour of the subcontinent.
However, Hazlewood will bat in the ongoing Test match if the team requires him. Australia would like Hazlewood to get fit as soon as possible, as the Ashes is just around the corner and Hazlewood’s presence in the team will be of utmost benefit to the Aussies.
Jackson Bird would be the likely replacement for the injured bowler in the next Test match. Also, the Australian cricket board will announce the replacement on Wednesday. The fast-bowler, however, had last missed a game for Australia in 2015 when he was rested for the final Ashes Test match due to an injury.