Josh Hazlewood, an Australian pitcher, will not compete in the World Test Championship Final against India on June 7.
Even though Hazlewood has been bowling aggressively during practice, he is also dealing with a left Achilles problem in addition to the side ailment he just sustained while playing in the IPL. The cautious move has been made because Australia will play the Ashes just after the WTC Final.
According to Chair of Selectors George Bailey, “Josh was very, very close to getting the go-ahead, but we are aware that our upcoming schedule means this is not a one-off Test match for us.” “This will provide Josh with the best preparation possible for Edgbaston. We will use all of our fast bowling resources because we have six Test matches coming up in just over seven weeks.
As a result of the development, Australia has included fast bowler Michael Neser, 33, in the team. Neser only played one more Test after his debut during the home Ashes series in 2021–2022 and a 12-month break. He is not anticipated to increase that total during the WTC Final, as Scott Boland has emerged as the front-runner to earn a spot in the Australian XI.
“Michael’s County form has been strong, and knowing that he was going to be close by allowed for him to keep playing and for us to be able to call on him,” Bailey said of Neser. “Having him in the fast bowling group is a great strength.”
