Josh Hazlewood is “highly unlikely” to play the first Test match against South Africa at the Gabba in a frustrating setback for the Australian paceman.
The 31-year-old missed the Adelaide Test against the West Indies after suffering a low-grade left side strain ahead of the pink-ball fixture, opening the door for Michael Neser’s return.
But speaking to Fox Sports News on Sunday afternoon, Fox Cricket’s Kath Loughnan revealed that Hazlewood is not expected to recover before the series opener against the Proteas in Brisbane, which gets underway on Saturday.
“Cricket Australia have told me that it is highly unlikely Josh Hazlewood will play in the series opener against South Africa,” Loughnan said.
“He’s currently at home recovering and resting.”
It’s a worrying moment of deja vu for Hazlewood, who missed four Ashes Tests last summer due to a similar injury.
The New South Welshman’s setback opens the door for Victorian paceman Scott Boland or Queensland seamer Neser to retain their spot in the Australian starting XI for the Gabba Test.
Boland boasts a remarkable Test record, averaging 10.00 with the ball after four matches, but Neser has been terrorising Sheffield Shield batters at the Gabba for years.
However, after snaring a triple-wicket maiden against the West Indies on Saturday evening, Boland has seemingly pushed himself to the front of the queue.
“Absolute no-brainer – Scott Boland will get picked every day of the week,” former Australian Test captain Ricky Ponting told Channel 7.
Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith also argued that national selectors had no choice but to give Boland a fifth appearance in the baggy green.
“Well he’s bowling himself into another Test match next week, I’m thinking,” he said on Fox Cricket.
Meanwhile, Australian Test captain Pat Cummins is expected to return for the Brisbane Test after missing this week’s day-night contest with a quad complaint.
“He’s well and truly on track to lead the team out in the first Test at the Gabba,” Loughnan said.
“He had a bowl yesterday and then he returned to the nets in the afternoon and had a bat.
“I’m told his quad has pulled up well, so he’s looking good to go.”
