Josh Hazlewood

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Ashes 2021-22: Josh Hazlewood To Miss Hobart Test

Published on January 8, 2022

Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood will remain on the sidelines for the final Ashes Test at Hobart as he hasn’t recovered from a side strain yet. The 31-year old played only the first test of this Ashes series. So Scott Boland who made a terrific debut at Melbourne will retain his place for the pink ball Test match.

However, coach Justin Langer is quite optimistic that he will be available for white-ball games for the rest of the summer.

Josh Hazlewood will now work towards being fit for Melbourne Getty Images — Josh Hazlewood (file) Getty Images

Josh Hazlewood played only the first Ashes Test at Brisbane

“Unfortunately Josh hasn’t come up, hopefully, he’ll be right for the white-ball games, It’s been really tough on him, he has been really hanging out to play in this Ashes series like everyone. He has missed three games, so to have one of our premier fast bowlers out of the series, I guess it is a bit like England missing one of their premier fast bowlers (in Jofra Archer) – we’ve missed big Josh,” coach Justin Langer said on Friday.

Hazlewood has been an integral part of the Australia Test team in the last 6-7 years. In a 56-Test career, he picked 215 wickets with an average of 25.63 which included 9 fifers.

In the last two Ashes wins he played a key role for Australia. In the 2019 Ashes, he picked 20 wickets in 4 Test matches with an average of 21.85 when Australia regained the Ashes after drawing the series by 2-2.

Ashes 2021-22: Josh Hazlewood To Miss Hobart Test 1 — Scott Boland

In the last home Ashes 2017-18, he again made a significant contribution as he picked 21 wickets in 5 matches with an average of 25.90 which included a fifer at Perth as Australia comprehensively beat England by a 4-0 margin.

As things stand, he might make a comeback in an ODI series against New Zealand as the Kiwis will travel to Australia for 3 ODIs and one T20I. Then in February, Sri Lanka will travel to Australia for 5-match T20I series. Australia’s next assignment in Tests will be their tour to Pakistan where they are scheduled to play 3 Tests, 3 ODIs, and one T20I.

Meanwhile England camp is also struggling with injuries as they called Sam Billings as cover for Hobart Test as Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow suffered hand injuries during England’s first innings. Ollie Pope kept wickets for England in the second innings of the Sydney Test.

Also read You Have Earned The Right To Fail… – David Warner Defends Virat Kohli For His Poor Form

Cricket/ICC T20 world Cup 2021/News/The Ashes, 2021-22

Michael Vaughan Reckons Justin Langer Is Doing A Fantastic Job As Australia’s Head Coach

Published on January 6, 2022

Michael Vaughan, the former England captain has advised Australia against ending head coach Justin Langer’s tenure when his contract ends in mid-2022. Michael Vaughan believes Justin Langer has done a commendable job since taking the team’s charge three years ago.

Cricket Australia will decide whether or not to extend Justin Langer’s tenure after the ongoing Ashes 2021/22 series. While the West Australian intends to continue in the role and has done remarkably well, the board could replace Justin Langer.

Justin Langer. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Michael Vaughan Reckons Justin Langer’s Doing A Fantastic Job And If He Was Cricket Australia, He Would Sign Him Up For 2 More Years

Michael Vaughan said that Australia must extend Justin Langer’s contract. Justin Langer, Australia coach had earlier hinted that he would seek an extension of his four-year contract, expiring in June 2022, saying he “loves his job”. Justin Langer had faced criticism for his coaching methods from the players but now has a Twenty20 World Cup in his CV besides adding the coveted Ashes Trophy 2021/22 win to it.

The 47-year old feels the national team might suffer from Langer’s departure, so he should stay for two more years, saying: “I would jump at the chance. Be careful what you wish for – that’s all I’ll say. The grass is not always greener, and Justin Langer, from what I see – he’s doing a fantastic job. If I was Cricket Australia, I’d sign him up for at least a couple more years.”

Australia wins 2021 T20I World Cup In UAE [Aamir Qureshi/AFP]

Justin Langer came under serious pressure after last year’s home series loss to India. The 51-year old’s fraught relationship with the players also emerged. However, he boosted his chances of remaining with the team following the World T20 and Ashes 2021/22 wins.

Opener David Warner fired another shot at his critics and Mitchell Marsh scored a quickfire half-century as Australia cruised to its maiden T20 World Cup triumph, beating New Zealand by eight wickets.

Justin Langer was given the job to overhaul the team’s culture and regain the respect of the Australian public after the ball-tampering scandal of 2018 (Sandpaper Gate) which saw then skipper Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft banned for a year or so.

Michael Vaughan Suggests England May Appoint Justin Langer As Coach If Australia Doesn’t Want Him To Continue

Michael Vaughan also backs Justin Langer to lead Australia to an Ashes victory in England next year, trusting his knowledge and experience.

However, he also feels the 105-Test veteran would be a perfect fit for England’s coach, saying: “He’d take all that information to make sure that in 2023, Australia go on to win the Ashes convincingly in English conditions because they’ve got the squad and the mentality around the group with Justin’s kind of leadership to go on and do so. But if you don’t want him, yeah, we’ll have him.”

Australia has won the Ashes for the third time in a row as they lead the five-match series 3-0. They have beaten England convincingly in all three Tests.

In the ongoing Test, Usman Khawaja departed after scoring a fantastic century on return to Test cricket to power Australia to 416/8 declared in the first innings while Stuart Broad took a brilliant five-wicket haul on Day 2 of the 4th Ashes Test at the SCG.

Usman Khawaja was added to the Australia squad after middle-order batter Travis Head returned positive for COVID-19 last week. This is also Usman Khawaja’s first international match since the 2019 Ashes in England.

Australia has made one forced change in their XI for the 4th Test match as Usman Khawaja has replaced middle-order batter Travis Head who was ruled out for this match after testing positive for Covid-19. Meanwhile, pacer Scott Boland has been retained in the XI as Josh Hazlewood still hasn’t recovered from injury.

The Ashes, 2021-22/News

James Anderson Thought England Had A Chance To Regain Ashes Urn But Plans Failed

Published on December 31, 2021

James Anderson, the England pacer expressed his disappointment at the team’s efforts in the ongoing Ashes. James Anderson said he genuinely believed England could regain the Ashes 2021/22 urn by beating Australia Down Under this time around.

England’s Ashes campaign was ground to dust as they crashed to an innings defeat in a must-win third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia’s relentless bowling unit bundled the visitors out for 68. Scott Boland surprised himself with a sensational debut at his home ground. The Victorian pacer returned with figures of 4-1-7-6 in England’s 2nd innings.

James Anderson Thought England Squad Would Compete But The Plans Failed

James Anderson admitted England has failed to execute their plans in all three Tests, surrendering abjectly without any effort to compete.

Citing his disappointment at not meeting expectations, the 39-year-old stated: “The first three games have been really gutting. The lads are pretty flat at the minute. I genuinely thought we had a good chance when we came over here. I thought the squad we’ve got would be able to compete but it’s clearly not gone to plan.”

England Test skipper Joe Root backs James Anderson , Twitter — England Test skipper Joe Root backs James Anderson, Twitter

He added: “The more senior players have to rally round and make sure everyone is in a good headspace to compete because the first three games have been really gutting.”

Although James Anderson gave his best in the two Tests he played, England’s batting unit has collapsed in all six innings played so far. The team has been reliant on Joe Root, who has had a prolific 2021, amassing 1708 runs.

James Anderson Gutted For Not Performing For Fans Urging Teammates To Leave No Stone Unturned

James Anderson urged his teammates to leave no stone unturned in the final two Tests and give the England supporters something to cheer for.

The Lancashire seamer said: “I think we’ve just got to throw absolutely everything at the next two games. We’re aware that we’ve got so much support and I know people are getting up in the middle of the night watching us as well at home. We are just gutted that we’re not performing for those people and giving them what they want to see.”

Travis Head has tested positive for Covid 19 Getty Images

James Anderson was part of England’s 2010-11 Ashes series victory, emerging as the highest wicket-taker that year. Since then, the veteran has seen Australia steamroll his side in the previous two tours. This tour could possibly be his final appearance Down Under, as James Anderson will want to sign off with two wins.

Mitchell Marsh, Nic Maddinson, and Josh Inglis have been called up as cover as Australia batter Travis Head has tested positive for Covid-19. Australia already has Usman Khawaja with the squad and he would be the likely replacement for Travis Head in the middle order. England head coach Chris Silverwood, like Travis Head, will miss the Sydney Test and remain in isolation in Melbourne after one of his family members tested Covid-19 positive.

Captain Pat Cummins, who missed the second test due to a Covid scare, is one pacer assured of playing. If fellow pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood both play, it means there will be no room for debutant Scott Boland despite his stunning 6/7 on debut at the MCG. Spinner Mitchell Swepson could also play if there is a turning wicket in Sydney and Australia decide to play two spinners, with allrounder Cameron Green as the third seamer.

James Anderson has been one of England’s standout performers in the series and took 4-33 from his 23 overs, including 10 maidens, as England bowled Australia out for 267 on day two of the third Test. He has picked 7 scalps in 2 Tests averaging a mere 14.14.

George Bailey appointed chair of the National Selection Panel.(Getty Images)

Cricket/News/The Ashes, 2021-22

George Bailey Reckons Debutant Scott Boland’s 6/7 Gives Australia Headache To Pick XI For Sydney Test

Published on December 30, 2021

George Bailey, the Australian selector says Scott Boland’s incredible Test debut is a “great headache” to have as the Sydney Test draws near.

Victorian Scott Boland was the hero on the third day of the Boxing Day Test, claiming 6-7 from four overs as Australia retained the Ashes after taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the 5 Test series.

George Bailey, Australian team selector says Australia has several headaches heading into the Sydney Test.(Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) — George Bailey, Australian team selector says Australia has several headaches heading into the Sydney Test. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

George Bailey Asserts It’s A Great Headache For Australia To Pick An XI For The 4th Sydney Test After Debutant Scott Boland Takes 6/7

But with injured veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood on the brink of return from injury, and pacers Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson firmly in the mix after solid performances in Adelaide, Scott Boland could yet make way after just one Test, a surprise one at his age of 32. Scott Boland sealed a Boxing Day Test debut to remember, as Australia retained the urn after storming to a crushing win over England

“It’s a great headache,” George Bailey said.

“We don’t mind a headache at this time of year. I would much rather have that headache and some tough decisions to make than be scratching our heads trying to find a solution for a problem. Looking forward to working through that one,” George Bailey said.

“Obviously some hard conversations to be had at some point. We’d love nothing more than a full squad to be able to pick from. There were a few moving parts for Scott to grab that opportunity. He’s been on that radar,” George Bailey said.

“We’ve spoken a lot about our desire to try and build some depth and robustness within our teams. It all just fell into place. The fact we have Pat (Cummins), Josh, and Mitch (Starc) as three premier world-class fast bowlers across all three formats is a great problem and a credit to them,” George Bailey said.

Scott Boland surprised himself with a sensational debut at his home ground. The Victorian pacer returned with figures of 4-1-7-6 as Australia bowled England out for 68 in the second innings to retain the Ashes with two matches to go. He received the Johnny Mullagh medal as a player of the match in front of his home crowd.

George Bailey Would Love To See Mitchell Swepson Debut But It Will Be Dependent On Conditions For The 4th Test

Added to the complication of the bowling line-up is that the Sydney Cricket Ground is traditionally a spinning pitch, with the Australian selectors considering whether they pick Queenslander Mitchell Swepson as a leg-spin option alongside Nathan Lyon’s off-spin. Mitchell Swepson has been picked in seven Test squads since 2017 but is yet to make his debut.

“We’d love nothing more than for (Swepson) to get an opportunity but it will be conditions dependent,” George Bailey said.

“One of the things that are really hard — and I think Michael Neser has been the biggest example of this over the last couple of years — is that being on the periphery of some teams … it can make it really hard because you’re so close but you’re not necessarily playing as much for your state or Big Bash franchise as much as you’d like.”

“We’ve got no doubt that whether it’s the SCG, or whether it’s some time in the future, that ‘Sweppo’ is ready. We love having him around the group, love everything he is bringing. His cricket gets better and better.”

Josh Hazlewood has been missing from the Test team since straining his side in the 1st Test in Brisbane, but selector George Bailey said he was confident the fast bowler would make the right call on whether he was fit enough to play in Sydney-the venue of the 4th Test.

“I’ve got pretty good faith that if (Hazlewood) is confident and he says he’s right to go, I think we’d back him in. He’s earned that trust,” George Bailey said.

“They put a hell of a lot of pride and effort into each and every Test and I don’t think the series being wrapped up will take away from that. For (Hazlewood) in particular, the opportunity to play a Test match in his home state as well, I think there’s always plenty to play for,” George Bailey said.

George Bailey also backed in under-fire opener Marcus Harris to build on his impressive first-innings knock at the MCG, after he top-scored for Australia with 76.

“I think Harry has looked really good in the series,” George Bailey said.

“There have been a couple of good catches that have dismissed him at different times. Can’t give him enough credit for that knock last week given the challenge of the wicket as an opening batter. [He was] the glue there. [It] was exactly what you’re after from an opening batsman. I thought that was a great example of how Harry can play and contribute to this team, so really pleased for him,” George Bailey said.

The 4th Test of this Ashes series will begin on January 5 as Australia would be eying for another whitewash. Notable that England hadn’t won a Test in Australia since January 2019.

The Ashes, 2021-22/News

Josh Hazlewood Yet To Regain Full Fitness Which Saw Scott Boland To Debut In The 3rd Ashes Test

Published on December 26, 2021

Josh Hazlewood, Australia pacer is “still a little bit away” from regaining full fitness after he suffered a side strain in the ribs cage during the opening 1st Ashes 2021/22 Test at Brisbane, which saw him ultimately being ruled out for the second and third Ashes Tests.

It was speculated that Josh Hazlewood would be fit for the ongoing Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), but captain Pat Cummins said while announcing the playing XI on Saturday that the bowler was still “pretty sore”, adding that the fourth Test at SCG could see him return to action.

Josh Hazlewood will now work towards being fit for Sydney (Getty Images)

Josh Hazlewood Admits That There’s A Slight Tear In His Rib Muscles

Victoria pace bowler Scott Boland has been handed a surprise debut in the Boxing Day Test against England with Australia taking a cautious approach over a minor leg injury to Jhye Richardson while Josh Hazlewood is still unfit.

Scott Boland, 32, becomes the fourth Indigenous Test cricketer after Faith Thomas, Jason Gillespie, and Ashleigh Gardner. He is one of two changes with Pat Cummins returning in place of Michael Neser.

Josh Hazlewood, who was a part of Australia’s T20 World Cup-winning squad last month, took 3-74 in 27 overs in the 1st Test match but only bowled eight of 70 overs on day three and 6 more on Day 4 in Brisbane before being ruled out for the subsequent 2nd and 3rd Tests.

He didn’t bowl on the third afternoon in Brisbane and was sent for a scan on Friday night which showed he was at least fit enough to bowl on Saturday. The right-arm pacer (14-6-32-1) got through six overs on day four and claimed the Jos Buttler in what was ultimately a nine-wicket win for the hosts.

Before the start of the third Test, Hazlewood said, “I’m still a little bit away, (this Test) is probably a week early. We’re still not sure, we’re going to take this week as it comes and likely have a bowl on Day 3 or Day 5, see how that goes and then build up from there.”

“The workloads are still there from the first Test, but obviously I haven’t had a bowl in 10-12 days and we’ll see how it goes on Day 3,” Hazlewood was quoted as saying.

The extent of the 30-year-old’s injury is still unclear and Josh Hazlewood, the fifth-ranked Test bowler on the ICC rankings, said he was taking “a day-by-day approach”. The pace bowler, who made his debut in 2014, added that there is a “slight tear” in his rib muscles.

“It’s probably more on feeling this one, it’s a bit of an interesting one, it’s the intercostals in between the ribs, there’s a slight tear. I’ve never had it before, I’ve had the normal oblique side strain, which is the common one, but we’re taking each day as it comes and we’ll make the decisions on basically how I feel.”

Scott Boland, who previously played 14 ODIs and three T20Is in 2016, has been selected as something of a home-ground specialist having taken 96 wickets at 25.56 in 27 first-class games at the MCG.

Josh Hazlewood Rues Missing Boxing Day Test

Josh Hazlewood said he was disappointed at missing the action in the traditional Boxing Day Test.

“I guess once your down here, you see the ground and the crowd starting to roll in, it’s pretty disappointing and the same thing with last week at Adelaide, I love being there and not being able to go and watching it on TV, it was disappointing.”

Scott Boland will be the latest quick used by Australia -- Getty Images — Scott Boland will be the latest quick used by Australia — Getty Images

Josh Hazlewood’s place in the side has been taken by Scott Boland, who became the 463rd cricketer to wear the Baggy Green on Sunday. He’s also the fourth indigenous player to feature for Australia.

Trailing by 124 runs, Australia ended Day 1 of the ongoing third Ashes Test match posting 61 for one at Stump’s against England at the MCG in Melbourne, on Sunday. The hosts lost the crucial wicket of David Warner, who was dismissed by James Anderson after registering 38 runs off 42 balls.

Earlier, England was bowled out for 185. Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon were the picks of the Australian bowlers, taking three wickets each. Pacer Mitchell Starc took two while Cameron Green and debutant Scott Boland also picked a wicket each to put Australia in the driver’s seat. For England, captain Joe Root was the standout performer, scoring yet another fifty.

News

Mitchell Starc Likely To Be Fit For The Boxing Day Test, Doubts Remain Over Josh Hazlewood’s Fitness

Published on December 23, 2021

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is likely to be fit for the Melbourne Test. The head coach Justin Langer confirmed that Starc has some soreness in his ribs but he would recover in time. However, doubts remain over Josh Hazlewood’s fitness who missed the second Test at Adelaide due to side strain.

Starc suffered this injury while batting in the second innings in Adelaide Test as he was attempting a sweep and took a blow on his ribs. However, he bowled 27 overs in the second innings as Australian bowlers had to toil hard to bowl England out in the second innings.

Mitchell Starc Likely To Be Fit For The Boxing Day Test, Doubts Remain Over Josh Hazlewood's Fitness 2 — Mitchell Starc (file photo)

On the other side, Josh Hazlewood is racing against time to get fit in time for the Boxing Day Test. Though the pacer has joined the team in Melbourne. He picked this injury in the first test match at Brisbane.

“Australia will manage the workload for their pacers during the series”

Australian captain Pat Cummins also missed out on the second test as he was identified as a close contact of a Covid-19 case. He has been given a green signal for the third test.

In a media interaction, coach Langer confirmed all the developments regarding the fitness of their pacers.

“It’s just (Starc’s) rib actually. A lot of the bowlers talk about when they come back to Test cricket, bowl more overs, they jam down on that rib area so he should be fine. He’s tough.” Langer said.

“If he’s not right, then we’ll look at it. But at this stage, there’s no indication suggesting he won’t be playing the next Test. We will wait and see how Josh Hazlewood pulls up, he arrives this afternoon.” He added further.

The coach showered high praise for Starc. He said that the left-arm pacer stood up tall in the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood. Notable that Strac bowled 75.1 overs in the first two tests.

“I honestly thought Mitch Starc was almost the man of the match last game,” he said. “There’s been a lot of talk about Mitch Starc for the last few years but he just keeps turning up. He’s an unbelievable athlete. He’s incredibly fit.” Langer said.

“His resilience to just keep coming up over and over and over again is remarkable really, and his consistency of length and the way he controlled the tempo of the game last game was a great credit to him, particularly with Patty and Josh Hazlewood not playing. He became the leader of the group. He did a fantastic job. I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t get up for Boxing Day,” the coach added.

Langer also spoke about managing the workload for their pacers as Scott Boland was added to the squad. The Victoria pacer picked 15 wickets in 2 Sheffield Shield games this year.

“It’s a tough series. We all know that. Five Test matches pretty much in a row. So we’ll just manage our bowlers as best we can and we’ll put our fittest and most ready to perform out in the park in Melbourne.” he concluded.

Also, read Marcus Harris Will Play The Boxing Day Test, Confirms Justin Langer

Cricket/ICC T20 world Cup 2021/News/The Ashes, 2021-22

Justin Langer Would Seek Extension Of His 4 Year Contract Ending In June 2022

Published on December 23, 2021

Justin Langer, Australia coach on Thursday hinted that he would seek an extension of his four-year contract, expiring in June 2022, saying he “loves his job”.

Justin Langer had faced criticism for his coaching methods from the players but now has a Twenty20 World Cup in his CV and is also close to adding the coveted Ashes Trophy win to it.

Justin Langer Loves His Job Of Coaching The Australian Team And Would Seek An Extension Of His 4 Year Contract Ending In June 2022

Australia is leading the home series against England 2-0. The 51-year-old former Test opener and current coach insisted that his thought process has not changed.

Opener David Warner fired another shot at his critics and Mitchell Marsh scored a quickfire half-century as Australia cruised to its maiden T20 World Cup triumph, beating New Zealand by eight wickets.

“I have never thought differently, to be honest. I have been consistent with what I have said for the last four years. I love my job,” Langer was quoted as saying.

“The boys are playing well, no doubt about it, it’s a great team to be involved in. So, nothing has changed from my point of view.”

Australia’s maiden T20 World Cup win was expected to help his cause when cricket officials meet after the Ashes to discuss whether to renew his contract next year. Retaining the Ashes at home would almost cement that — after a period in which Australia recovered from the 2018 ball-tampering scandal to retain the urn in England but lost two home series to India.

Former skipper and much-respected former batsman Steve Waugh is one of those cricketing figures in Australian cricket who advocate splitting the coaching duties.

“Langer confirmed he wanted to remain in charge of the Test squad and the limited-overs teams in the long term, for there has been a debate that the senior coach for the red-and-white-ball teams should be split,” the report said.

“Langer’s senior assistant Andrew McDonald would be the ideal white-ball coach if Langer remained and the roles were split. McDonald, who listens closely to players and has an excellent rapport, is seen as a fine leader and also capable of guiding all three teams.”

Justin Langer was given the job to overhaul the team’s culture and regain the respect of the Australian public after the ball-tampering scandal of 2018 (Sandpaper Gate scandal) which saw then skipper Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft banned for a year or so.

Justin Langer: Struggling Marcus Harris Will Play 3rd Ashes Test

Australia will retain struggling opener Marcus Harris for the third Ashes Test and are confident paceman Mitchell Starc will recover from a rib problem in time to bowl at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, coach Justin Langer said. With 38 runs in four innings so far in the series, Marcus Harris is the one specialist batter in the Australia team who did not thrive as the hosts secured big wins in the first two Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide.

Regular skipper pacer Pat Cummins and fellow fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will return to the squad later on Thursday after missing the second Test in Adelaide, which Australia won by 275 runs.

England suffered humiliating defeats in the first two Tests — by nine wickets in the tour opener at the Gabba and by 275 runs in the next outing at Adelaide Oval. The visitors need to win the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground to keep the five-match series alive. The third Test match starts on December 26. It will be followed by matches in Sydney (January 5 to 9) and Hobart (January 14 to 18).

Cricket/News/The Ashes, 2021-22

Ashes 2021/22: Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out Of Adelaide Test

Published on December 13, 2021December 13, 2021

Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide due to the side strain he picked up in Brisbane with Jhye Richardson, Western Australia quick, favourite to replace him.

Josh Hazlewood bowled on the fourth day at the Gabba, having been held back for a large part of the innings after scans had shown a “very minor” strain but it was always unlikely he would be risked for the day-night Test.

Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out Of 2nd Ashes Test And Returned To Sydney

The pacer returned to Sydney on Sunday rather than head to Adelaide with the focus now on being ready for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Like all the Australian pacers, he came into the Ashes without any long-form match practice. Josh Hazlewood has taken 32 wickets at 19.90 in seven day-night Tests. The series now includes a second match under lights following the relocation of the Perth fixture to Hobart.

Josh Hazlewood reportedly flew out of Brisbane to Sydney on Sunday afternoon for further assessment and rehabilitation with a decision on his fitness for the Boxing Day Test (Melbourne, December 26) to be made in due course. The Cricket Australia (CA) selection panel will likely choose between Queensland’s Michael Neser and Western Australia’s Jhye Richardson as Josh Hazlewood’s replacement.

Jhye Richardson of Western Australia. Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images

Josh Hazlewood, who was a part of Australia’s T20 World Cup-winning squad last month, took 3-74 in 27 overs in the match but only bowled eight of 70 overs on day three and 6 more on Day 4 in Brisbane before being ruled out.

He didn’t bowl on the third afternoon in Brisbane and was sent for a scan on Friday night which showed he was at least fit enough to bowl on Saturday. The right-arm pacer (14-6-32-1) got through six overs on day four and claimed the Jos Buttler in what was ultimately a nine-wicket win for the hosts.

Jhye Richardson-2 Test Veteran Frontrunner To Replace Josh Hazlewood But Uncapped Michael Neser Another Contender

Jhye Richardson is the frontrunner to come into the pace attack having enjoyed an impressive Sheffield Shield season where he has claimed 23 wickets at 13.43. He played his previous two Tests against Sri Lanka in 2019, his debut coming in a day-night match at the Gabba where he claimed match figures of 5 for 45.

Australia A's Michael Neser. Photo by Peter Wallis/Getty Images — Australia A’s Michael Neser. Photo by Peter Wallis/Getty Images

However, the uncapped Michael Neser produced a timely reminder of his credentials by taking seven wickets against England Lions including 5 for 29 in the first innings. Australia has not made any additions to the squad for the second Test.

David Warner did not field during England’s second innings in Brisbane or bat in the small chase after a blow to the ribs against Ben Stokes but is expected to be fit. Usman Khawaja is the spare batter.

Cricket/News/The Ashes, 2021-22

Ashes 2021/22: David Warner Doubtful For Adelaide Test

Published on December 13, 2021

David Warner, the Australian opener was in “severe discomfort” after copping a “nasty blow” on day two of the 1st Gabba Ashes 2021/22 Test match against England. Australian opener David Warner has not taken the field in England’s second innings at the Gabba due to “severely bruised ribs” he sustained during the first Ashes Test.

David Warner scored 94 in Australia’s first innings before he was deceived by England seamer Ollie Robinson on Thursday afternoon, chipping a slower ball directly to mid-off. He fell six runs short of becoming the third cricketer to score five Test centuries at the iconic Brisbane venue.

David Warner Didn’t Field After Copping A Knock From A Ben Stokes Bouncer During His 94 In Australia’s 1st Innings

However, David Warner was not spotted on the field when England’s second innings got underway. Cricket Australia revealed that the 35-year-old was off the field with bruised ribs, and West Australian seamer Jhye Richardson had replaced him as a substitute fielder. David Warner was replaced by a substitute fielder in England’s innings on day three after copping a knock from a Ben Stokes bouncer during his innings of 94 on day two at The Gabba.

David Warner is believed to have injured his ribs during the first innings of the Gabba Test, in which he scored 94. He did not bat in the second innings, in which Australia needed just 20 to win. Usman Khawaja, who was recalled to the Australian squad is likely to replace him if he’s ruled out. Queensland opener Bryce Street is set to be added to the Australian squad and will be a contender for the opening slot as well.

England was bundled out for 147 in their first innings after opting to bat first. In response, Australia piled 425 and took a massive lead of 278 runs. Joe Root showed some resistance in the second innings, scoring 89 and along with Dawid Malan’s 82, England posted 297 on the scoreboard. Australia then wrapped up the show and as expected the hosts then chased down the 20-run target comfortably.

Josh Hazlewood Will Also Miss 2nd Test As He Flew Home

Josh Hazlewood, the right-arm pacer returned to bowl six overs on day four and had Jos Buttler caught behind for 23 as Australia won by nine wickets. For Australia, losing Josh Hazlewood’s services will be a big blow ahead of the day-night encounter at the Adelaide Oval as has scalped 32 wickets at an average of 19.90 in pink-ball Tests.

In last summer’s pink-ball Test against India, Josh Hazlewood was the chief architect of India being shot out for 36 in the second innings, picking 5/8 in just five overs. Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has reportedly been ruled out of the second Ashes Test on Adelaide, starting December 16 and as a result, has flown back home. Opening batter David Warner’s participation too is in doubt.

Jhye Richardson is set to be Josh Hazlewood’s replacement, which would mean that he would play just his third Test, his first after debuting against Sri Lanka in 2019. He has picked up six wickets from two matches so far. However, Michael Neser, who picked up seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings against the Lions could also be in contention.

Cricket/News/The Ashes, 2021-22

Doug Bollinger Would Love To See Michael Neser Handed A Debut In 2nd Ashes Test

Published on December 13, 2021

Doug Bollinger, the former Australian pace bowler wants to see Michael Neser as the one to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood in the second Ashes Test beginning on December 16. Josh Hazlewood was officially ruled out of the day-night game after the 30-year-old pacer suffered a side strain during the home team’s nine-wicket win in the first Test at The Gabba.

Josh Hazlewood reportedly flew out of Brisbane to Sydney on Sunday afternoon for further assessment and rehabilitation with a decision on his fitness for the Boxing Day Test (Melbourne, December 26) to be made in due course. The Cricket Australia (CA) selection panel will likely choose between Queensland’s Michael Neser and Western Australia’s Jhye Richardson as Josh Hazlewood’s replacement.

Doug Bollinger Would Love To See Michael Neser As He Feels He Deserves A Debut For Being Consistent

However, Doug Bollinger, who played 12 Tests and 39 ODIs for Australia snaring 112 wickets in the two formats, besides also donning the Chennai Super Kings jersey in his professional career, said that he would go with Michael Neser. Doug Bollinger announced his retirement from all formats of the game in 2018 ending an impressive 15-year career. He represented for the Aussies in the whites in 12 games where he picked 50 scalps averaging 25.92. In the coloured clothing, he played 39 ODIs and 9 T20Is for the Australians and picked 62 and 9 wickets respectively.

Josh Hazlewood, Australian pacer, and Australian opener David Warner are injury concerns for Australia after their nine-wicket win over England in the first Ashes Test. Josh Hazlewood has a mild rib issue but, having been absent for much of day three, did bowl as England collapsed from 223-2 to 297 all out on day four. David Warner, who also has a rib injury, did not field on the third day and also did not open batting when his side chased 20 to win.

“I’d love to see Michael Neser,” Doug Bollinger said on Monday. “He thoroughly deserves it. He’s been very consistent for a few years now and he can bat… he has a (Sheffield) Shield hundred.”

The Australian left-arm pacer Doug Bollinger played for Chennai Super Kings in between 2010 and 2012. (Photo Source: AFP) | CricTracker.com — The Australian left-arm pacer Doug Bollinger played for Chennai Super Kings between 2010 and 2012. (Photo Source: AFP) | CricTracker.com

Michael Neser is yet to receive his Baggy Green cap despite being a member of the Australian Test squad since 2018. The 31-year-old right-arm seamer has 236 wickets in 124 innings at an average of 24.47 in Shield cricket and is a valuable lower-order batter, averaging 24.48 with a century to his name. He also stood out in Australia A’s win over the England Lions, snaring seven wickets for 65 for the match including a five-wicket haul in the first innings.

Michael Neser has been one the most consistent seamers in Australian domestic cricket over the past few years, taking 87 Sheffield Shield wickets at 21.62 since September 2018.

Doug Bollinger: Selectors Have A Headache To Pick Josh Hazlewood’s Replacement

On the other hand, his competitor, Jhye Richardson, 25, has played two Tests against Sri Lanka in 2019 and has taken 23 wickets at an average of 13.43 in four Shield games this season, more than any other pace bowler in the first-class competition. Doug Bollinger felt that the selectors have their task cut out as both Jhye Richardson and Michael Neser had proved their worth.

“It’s a great problem to have. We’ve still got other guys that can bowl as well. I’m chucking Scott Boland in there. Hits the wicket very hard… in his last Shield game he got a five-for,” said Bollinger.

Josh Hazlewood, part of Australia’s T20 World Cup-winning squad last month, took 3-74 in 27 overs in the match but only bowled eight of 70 overs on day three in Brisbane before being ruled out.

Josh Hazlewood played only the first Ashes Test at Brisbane

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