Injury-plagued fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of action for the upcoming World Test Championship Final. While Hazlewood injury is a big blow, it is not a recurrence. Instead, he is getting fitter. The pacer had even returned to bowling full tilt. However, Australia do not want to risk him with Ashes 2023 starting two weeks later. Hence, they are prioritising Ashes over IND vs AUS WTC Final. Australia, meanwhile, have drafted Michael Neser as a replacement.
In recent training sessions in Formby and Beckenham, Hazlewood bowled with all of his might. However, it is believed that the right arm quick is still managing his Achilles injury. He is also recovering from a side injury that flared up during the IPL 2023.
“Josh was very, very close to being given the green light but we are cognisant that our upcoming schedule means this is not a one-off Test match of us,” Chair of Selectors George Bailey said.
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Due to a string of injuries, Hazlewood has only participated in four Test matches over the last three years. The 32-year-old was forced to withdraw from the Border Gavaskar Trophy in India. He also returned early from his most recent IPL stint with minor discomfort in his left side.
JUST IN: Michael Neser has replaced Josh Hazlewood in Australia's squad for the #WTC23 Final starting on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/AcUHcEYK57
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) June 4, 2023
Neser was not included in the extended 17-man Australia team for the WTC Final. However, He has been practising with the team lately during centre-wicket sessions in southeast London. Neser, who has played in two Test matches, was already in the UK when he arrived to play for Glamorgan in the County Championship. He had taken 19 wickets at a rate of 25.63.
Australia WTC Final squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, David Warner
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